​​This message contains sensitive content and could be triggering. For crisis supports here in BC please contact the KUU-US Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717 or visit the First Nations Mental Health and Wellness Support page for additional support services. A complete listing of support services is included at the end of this statement.

​Today the shíshálh Nation announced new findings of their ground penetrating radar (GPR) search of the former St. Augustine’s Residential School grounds. The search revealed an additional 41 unmarked grave sites, bringing the confirmed total to 81 sites on the former school grounds. 

The FNHA stands with the shíshálh Nation, residential school survivors, their families, and all Indigenous people who have been traumatized by the ongoing and shameful legacy of Canada’s horrific residential school system.

This devastating news—along with other tragic findings identified in the several years by the c̓išaaʔatḥ (Tseshaht) First Nation in Port Alberni, T'exelcemc in Williams Lake, Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc in Kamloops, and Penelakut Tribe on Vancouver Island—is devastating to all First Nations, Metis and Inuit people. Even as we continue our work to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism in the health care system in BC, we know we cannot undo the atrocities of the past that continue to impact our communities in ways that are profoundly damaging.

As the health and wellness partner to over 200 First Nations throughout BC, the FNHA is committed to providing culturally safe mental health and wellness supports across a wide spectrum of services, in communities and for individuals and families living in urban areas an away from home.