KAMLOOPS, B.C. — A First Nation that announced more than 200 unmarked graves had been found at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C., is inviting people to mark Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc Nation has shared a video to help people learn the Secwepemc Honour Song to drum and sing at 2:15 p.m. Pacific time on Sept. 30.
Chief Rosanne Casimir says news of the unmarked graves sparked a global outpouring of support and the invitation offers a way for people to connect.
The nation is encouraging participants to teach the honour song in schools, workplaces and at home.
Since May, several other First Nations have reported finding unmarked graves or suspected remains located around former residential institutions in their territories.
Casimir says the nation has been working to decide what happens next at the Kamloops site and it is set to share updates at an event scheduled to take place next month.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2021.
The Canadian Press
