Statement
January 25, 2023
UBCIC Stands with Williams Lake First Nation and all Residential School Survivors amidst Results of Phase II Geophysical Investigation into St. Joseph Mission Residential School
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – January 25, 2023) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) shares heartfelt prayers for comfort and healing with all those impacted by the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) announcement detailing the results of their Phase II Geophysical Investigation into the former St. Joseph Mission Residential School, detailing 66 new reflections which display characteristics indicative of potential human burials. Phase I of the WLFN Geophysical Investigation announced 93 reflections this time last year in January 2022.
We stand with the survivors who were forcibly taken to one of the region’s most notorious Residential Schools that operated for nearly a century. We raise our hands to Chief Sellars, the Williams Lake First Nations administration, community members and investigative team for their diligence, care, and leadership and offer our support and steadfast commitment to stand behind BC First Nations seeking justice, accountability and healing.
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Media inquiries:
Brandon Hoffman, Marketing & Communications Coordinato
250. 296.3507 ext. 185
[email protected]
For Interviews with Chiefs Willie Sellars
Maggie Berns, Executive Assistant to the CAO & Chief
250.296.3507 ext. 138
[email protected]
General Inquiries about the SJM Investigation
Whitney Spearing, Lead Investigator
778-417-0196
[email protected]
Dominique Melanson, SJM Investigation Administrative Coordinator
778.417.0198
[email protected]
UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
For more information please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca
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