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he grim discovery of the remains of two hundred and fifteen children at an unmarked mass grave in Kamloops, B.C is a harsh reality of the lack of respect and dignity for human life. These children, as young as three years old, were taken from their families and moved into a residential school, abused and then discarded as if their lives accounted for nothing. This particular residential school was in operation from 1890 to 1969, when the federal government took over administration from the Catholic Church to operate it as a residence for a day school, until closing in 1978. We can't help but wonder how many more children's lives are unaccounted for, as well as how many other places have burial sites such as this one. As far as we know, these missing children are undocumented deaths. The Catholic Church has refused to release many of its residential school documents, which could shed light on unmarked burial sites. It is estimated that about 4,100 children
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June 2021
Made in His Image
died while attending these schools, mostly due to malnourishment or disease. But the true total is likely much
the 1870's and 1997. The abuse that was endured within them will have lasting physical and mental effects for
higher. Large numbers of Indigenous children who were forcibly sent to residential schools were physically, sexually or psychologically abused in a system reported as cultural genocide and they were never returned to their families. The whole purpose of the residential school was to take total control of Indian children, to remove their religion, culture, identity and their connection to their families. They were then forced to learn English, embrace Christianity and adopt the customs of the country's white majority. More than 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were forced to attend church-run, government funded schools between
generations. It is a stark example of the violence the Canadian residential school system inflicted upon Indigenous peoples and how the consequences of these atrocities continue to this day. Without love and stability, trauma continues to live on in the lives of these people. Their hearts are filled with anger, denial, betrayal, confusion and hurt. We have to ask the question, 'Why are people treated differently and considered less valuable because of the color of their skin?' They have been dealt with unjustly and it's numbing to us as Christians to learn of the betrayal and trust by the church. We know that the Lord
is very near to those who are suffering and He saves those little ones who are crushed in spirit. We know that God's relentless and all-powerful love conquers all and right now, the world needs the forgiveness and healing that only God can give. We need voices of all forms to bring to light the consequential nature of these horrific acts, a nightmare that we need to acknowledge in our history. We, as Christians, all have a responsibility. If we are to love like God loves us, then we need to change how we treat and support others. We need to change our racist attitudes and behaviors. We cannot be silent, but need to stand with those who are being mistreated in a way that does not line up with how God loves us and commands us to love one another. This is a hard truth that was 100 percent preventable and should have never happened. It is an atrocity that has to be dealt with. Both churches and government need to be held accountable. While some churches, such as the Anglican and United churches have formally
