Residential school monument vandalized in North Vancouver

Emotional support or assistance for those who are affected by the residential school system can call the Indian Residential School Survivors Society’s crisis line 24/7 at: 1 (800) 721-0066.

There is anger and disbelief after a monument dedicated to victims and survivors of residential schools was vandalized in North Vancouver.

The monument is in memory of more than 2,000 children who were uprooted from their families and taken to St. Paul’s Residential School.

It is located on the corner of Forbes and 6 Street.

On Wednesday, the ceremonial figure was found damaged. Several flower vases had also been broken and left around the carving.

Squamish Nation elected councillor Wilson Williams says it’s a horrific act and has left survivors shaken.

“It is very distressing to have this type of violent act occur on such a symbolic monument that is on some sacred ground,” he said.

“There’s a man and a woman that are raising their hands in welcome and the male’s right hand has been removed or taken off somehow and that it hasn’t been recovered,” he said.

Williams says they are appealing for anyone who may see the missing arm to contact them. If the piece is not recovered, they will be looking at restoring the carving.

A search of the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School found dozens of potential human burials using ground-penetrating radar.

The Williams Lake First Nation revealed the findings on Tuesday, and says only a small portion of the area has been searched and the 93 reflections only represent a “small footprint” of the dark chapter in Canada’s history.

“This journey has led our investigation team into the darkest recesses of human behaviour,” Williams Lake First Nation Chief Willie Sellars said Tuesday.

Williams says his community is grieving along with the Williams Lake First Nation.

“Our hearts go out to our Williams Lake First Nations families and anyone affected and impacted by .. the residential school there and the the trauma that possibly that has been triggered from the recent findings,” he said.

“I’m one generation out from residential school, but both my parents attended, but, you know, it even impacted me. I felt emotional and and a little overwhelmed,” he said.

North Vancouver RCMP’s Integrated First Nations Unit (IFNU) has been canvassing the neighbourhood to track down whoever is responsible for the vandalism. So far, Mounties have not said if any suspect has been identified. Anyone with information is asked to contact 604-985-1311.

With files from Lasia Kretzel