Last week, the terrible news of the hidden deaths and mass graves of 215 Indigenous children at the Kamloops Residential School in British Colombia was brought to the public attention of non-Indigenous people across the country. While this horrific discovery was news to many of us, for Indigenous communities, this was just a confirmation of what has been suspected and known all along.
The CSU wishes to express its solidarity with the families whose children died at Kamloops Residential School as well as the families who lost their children at residential schools across the country, including Quebec. The creation and imposition of residential schools was a part of the ongoing genocide and settler-colonialism faced by Indigenous people across this continent, the effects of which are still being felt to this day. With the last Canadian residential school only closing as recently as 1996, the effects of it are still felt to this day. The Concordia Student Union condemns the ongoing systemic genocide and systemic oppression of Indigenous peoples and will continue its undertakings in implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
We would like to extend our support to the Indigenous communities of Concordia University, who are affected by the aftermath of this event and by the ongoing settler-colonialism. We will continue advocating as allies in support of their demands. Here are the following resources you can reach out to during this time:

• Otsenhákta Student Centre: SGW: (514) 848-2424 ext. 7327, aboriginalcentre@concordia.ca, https://www.concordia.ca/students/otsenhakta.html
• First Nation and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310
• First People Studies Student Association: fpstmaconcordia@gmail.com
• Counselling & Psychology Services: SGW: (514) 848-2424 ext. 3545; LOY: (514) 848-2424 ext. 3555.
• Indigenous Directions Office: indigenousdirections@concordia.ca

Here are some resources for settlers on how best to take action:

• On Canada Project

Please do not hesitate to contact the CSU for any support you may need during this difficult time.

In Solidarity,
Your 2021-2022 Executive Team

The Concordia Student Union would like to acknowledge that the CSU is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke, known to settlers as Montréal, is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people on this land.