Indian Residential School Survivor Society opens new office in Sun Rivers

The IRSSS has previously operated in Kamloops, but the new permanent space on reserve provides a new home within community.

“Our catchment area here goes all the way from Quesnel to Cranbrook,” said Barbara Morin, director of governance and people. “And we provide services in the community, cultural support, counselling. We have a crisis line 24/7”

“I really hope our organization flourishes within here and supports and there is a ripple effect of healing that inspires within our communities,” added Pamela Eyles, cultural support manager.

For 30 years the society has provided free services across B.C. Now, over 90 per cent of their work is tied to intergenerational trauma.

“Our biggest leap now is for the intergenerational and making sure they have a voice in their healing journey and reclaiming their wellness, their ability to speak when the voices have always been hushed or silenced,” said Angela White, executive director.

“Things like hunting, fishing, medicine gatherings, ceremonial stuff, so all of those things were taken away from us and trying to revitalize… that is, I think, a real important movement,” said former Tk’emlups Kukwpi7 Shane Gottfriedson. “Not just with the society but all across the country.”

Aleck attended the Kamloops Residential School for 11 years, he utilizes that personal experience to help his community.

“What I went through it gives me the strength to actually deal with every issue, every issue I went through I’ve dealt with that,” Aleck told CFJC News. “And all my teachings say that you cannot lead your people to where you have never been.”

by Michael Reeve

Indian Residential School Survivor Society opens new office in Sun Rivers

Our Community