File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Unmarked Graves

Denialists tried to dig up suspected unmarked graves at Tk’emlups: report

Jun 17, 2023 | 7:28 AM

WARNING: This story contains details that may be distressing to some.

KAMLOOPS — Residential school denialists tried to dig up suspected graves of children outside of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, according to a new report.

The report was published Friday (June 16) by Kimberly Murray, the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools.

In a section detailing the immediate impact of the confirmation of 215 suspected unmarked graves in May 2021, Murray says Tk’emlups te Secwepemc were met with many uninvited guests trying to access the site.

“Denialists entered the site without permission. Some came in the middle of the night, carrying shovels; they said they wanted to ‘see for themselves’ if children are buried there,” said the report. “Denialists also attacked the community on social media.”

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The report goes on to describe how Tk’emlups Kukpi7 Roseanne Casimir recommends those leading similar work to deal with the media and prevent unwanted outcomes.

“[Casimir] said that the toxicity of denialism on social media needs more attention,” noted the report.

Read the full report here.

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For more information: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Support Resources:

• KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
• Tsow-Tun-Le Lum: 1-866-403-3123
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society Toll-Free Line: 1-800-721-0066
• 24hr National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419