The City of Wetaskiwin will be lowering its flags on Monday, May 31, 2021 to honour and remember the 215 Indigenous children buried at the Kamloops Residential School site.
"It is absolutely devastating to hear that the remains of 215 children have been discovered on the grounds of a former residential school in Kamloops," stated Mayor Tyler Gandam. "The community of Wetaskiwin holds the victims and their families in our thoughts, and we hope these young souls are able to rest in peace."
The City of Wetaskiwin also recognizes that this discovery may be triggering to those who attended—or whose family member(s) attended—the Ermineskin Residential School. A Residential Schools Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419) is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience.
The City of Wetaskiwin encourages everyone to wear orange on Monday, May 31 to show solidarity in remembrance of the 215 children who lost their lives.