FRVD heartbroken by results of Xyólhmet ye Syéwiqwélh (Taking Care of Our Children) Project

CHILLIWACK — The Fraser Valley Regional District (FRVD) has joined other local government bodies in expressing sorrow stemming from the announcement of the findings of the Xyólhmet ye Syéwiqwélh (Taking Care of Our Children) Project. The research team revealed Thursday (Sept. 21) that it had identified 158 Indigenous children who had lost their lives as a result of attending residential schools St. Mary’s, All Hallows, and Coqualeetza, which later became Coqualeetza Indian Hospital.

The FRVD released a statement Friday saying it was heartbroken to learn of the information released by the team at Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre.

In a statement, the FRVD says, “The information shared with the public yesterday (Thursday) was heart-wrenching. It serves as a reminder of the countless injustices experienced by Survivors of residential schools and their families and communities.”

It goes on to say, “The FVRD stands by the principles of truth and reconciliation and we hope that by learning about this tragic past, we can do better for future generations.”