Comox Valley Local Governments Acknowledge Tragic Findings at Former Residential School Site

The Mayors of Comox, Courtenay, and Cumberland, along with the Chair of the Comox Valley Regional District, have issued a statement on the discovery of 17 suspected graves at the former Alberni Indian Residential School.

The Tseshaht First Nation made the announcement this week, saying it has confirmed that 67 students died at the facility while it was open, from 1900 to 1973.

Available records for the school indicate that students came from at least 90 different reserve communities and over 70 First Nations in British Columbia.

The news follows similar findings from many other communities across the country.

The statement reads that each one of these announcements “has made us reflect about this dark chapter in Canada’s history. In acknowledging the past we must also be mindful of the ongoing impacts of residential schools and the intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous Peoples and their communities.”

The joint statement says "The Comox Valley Regional District, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland together as local governments acknowledge the work of reconciliation is the responsibility of all levels of government and segments of Canadian society.

In the Comox Valley we are working together with K'ómoks First Nation and our urban Indigenous community on a process that can help us identify meaningful ways to move forward together on reconciliation.

We recognize that finding the right way to do this will involve patience, time, and a commitment to participate in a collaborative process.”

To read the full statement, visit Comox Valley Regional District.

For those who were impacted by this week’s announcement, the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress. Call 1-800-721-0066 or visit the Indian Residential School Survivors Society webpage at www.irsss.ca.