Message from the President - June 3, 2021

We learned this week about the finding of human remains belonging to 215 First Nation children who were lost and buried at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in Kamloops, British Columbia. This has shocked Canadians and re-traumatized Indigenous peoples in our community, throughout northwestern Ontario and Canada.

This tragedy reminds everyone about the violence perpetrated against Indigenous children who were taken away from their families in the name of “education.” This sad and painful reality has devastated our students, employees and communities. As College President, I am sorry about this atrocity and offer my heartfelt condolences to Indigenous peoples.

Today at 1:00pm, two of our Indigenous staff members, Leanna Marshall, Indigenous Student Counsellor, and Geraldine Kakeeway, Regional Indigenous Liaison, will facilitate an Arts-Based Sharing Circle about these tremendous losses. It is my hope that our students and employees will attend this event as we attempt to process this horrific news. Click here to learn more and register. Additional support is also available as outlined at the end of this message.

The work that is now carried as outlined in our new 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, Kaa-anokaatekin, is to ensure that we make Indigenous education our collective priority. We have been working with the Negahneewin Council over the years to improve our capacity as a regional College. We must do what ever it takes to make things right as educators in creating a safe and equitable learning community for Indigenous peoples.

We know that the 94 Calls to Action, outlined in the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015), requires that we address historic injustices and systemic racism against Indigenous peoples. Please join me in reflecting on this dark chapter in Canadian history as we commit to building renewed and respectful relationships with Indigenous partners.

Kathleen Lynch
President

For Additional Support:

Students – Counselling services are available for students by calling (807) 475-6618 or booking an appointment online at www.confederationcollege.ca/appointments. Get more information about our student counselling services.

Employees – Support for employees can be accessed with our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Employees can also access EFAP supports at any time by calling 1-800-387-4766 or visiting the Morneau Shepell website: www.workhealthlife.com. Get more information about how to access our EFAP.

All – Support can be accessed through the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line by calling 1-866-925-4419.