216 candles lit at Markham Civic Centre to remember Kamloops residential school victims

Commemorates anniversary of Day of Apology June 11 with call to action

 

Heidi Riedner
yorkregion.com
June 14, 2021

Following the recent tragic discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, the City of Markham recently lit 216 candles in front of the Markham Civic Centre to honour and remember the 215 Indigenous children whose lives were lost.

The extra candle represents the children who are yet to be found.

On Friday, the city commemorated the anniversary of the Government of Canada’s Statement of Apology, made by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper on June 11, 2008, to former students of Indian Residential Schools.

“On this day, we reflect deeply on the terrible impact of residential schools on Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and continue to move forward with Truth and Reconciliation efforts,” said a city spokesperson in a statement.

“Together, we must commit to learning more about the diversity and history of Indigenous peoples so that we recognize past mistakes, raise awareness and increase knowledge, continue to build respect and trust, and take action.”