As difficult and disturbing news unfolds regarding the discovery of plausible burials at both the former Qu’Appelle Indian Residential School in Lebret, Sask. and St. Mary’s Indian Residential School in Kenora, Ont., Niagara College offers its heartfelt condolences and support to the affected families and communities and to our Indigenous students and employees.
As the very troubling truths regarding residential schools in Canada continue to emerge, we acknowledge the profound grief that Indigenous peoples are experiencing – including our classmates and colleagues. Niagara College has several supports in place for both students and employees who have been impacted by these discoveries. Student supports are available through Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services and include racial trauma accommodations, academic supports and culturally-appropriate trauma counselling. Staff and Faculty are encouraged to access the Employee and Family Assistance Program. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is also available at 1-866-925-4419.
Niagara College Indigenous Education also provides a dedicated web resource that includes information on how to access academic supports, links to external resources and additional supports for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
