Canadian Library Association Statements on Bodies Found at Kamloops Indian Residential School

The website Librarianship.ca has put together a list of statements by Canadian library, archives, and museum associations following the finding of the remains of 215 children who were students of the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

One of the statements is from the Canadian Federation of Library Associations of which the Canadian Association of Law Libraries is a member:

"Given the recent confirmation of the presence of unmarked burials on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, we empathize with the ongoing trauma of past and present experiences. As the identities of these children is now a matter of investigation, uncovering of records and identities with regards to this facility and the many others that operated throughout Canada, where other unmarked graves still lie, we will continue to mourn the loss of lives never lived."

"Libraries and librarians have a responsibility in educating about the truth to foster reconciliation. The CFLA-FCAB Truth and Reconciliation Report and Recommendations is an initial step in that direction. Fulfilling the Recommendations puts us further along the path of reconciliation."

"This is a time for librarians, library associations, and organizations that have endorsed the CFLA-FCAB Report, to review and take stock of your organization’s actions in relation to the recommendations as outlined in the report. This is a time for these organizations to consider how they may continue to advance their work with respect to fulfilling the Recommendations."