Federal gov’t invests $12.5M to build healing centre near former Kamloops residential school

The federal government announced $12.5 million in funding Thursday, to build a new healing centre in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory in Kamloops.

Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu was in Kamloops for the announcement, which comes nearly two years after the Nation announced that ground-penetrating radar had found 215 suspected grave sites at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

“The legacy of residential schools is one that has tried to take our culture, language, and identity from us, causing profound damage. The healing house will provide culturally appropriate supports that will help to address these long-standing impacts,” Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir said in a news release.

“It will support healing for our Survivors and those impacted by Kamloops Indian Residential School, leading to healthier futures for our children and those not yet born. We look forward to working with the First Nations Health Authority on the implementation of our healing house and providing opportunities for our people to thrive with resources that will now be available.”

The centre will include various resources, including support programs.

“This safe space will provide trauma-informed programs to support individuals and their families in their spiritual, mental, emotional and physical healing. Tkemlúps te Secwépemc has selected an architect to lead the construction process and will be working with the membership to create a welcoming design,” the release reads.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau first committed federal help to build the centre when he visited the community in October of 2021, it adds.

“Two years ago, the discovery of 215 burial sites at the former Kamloops Residential School, as well as unmarked graves at other former residential school sites, shocked the country. The community of Tkemlúps te Secwépemc led the way in opening the nation’s eyes to the truths that were always known by Indigenous Peoples. Now, Tkemlúps te Secwépemc paves the way in showing what is possible along the healing journey. Canada will continue to support the Survivors, their families and the affected communities through their healing journeys, on their own terms,” Hajdu said.’

There is no timeframe yet as to when the centre will be built.