Every Child Matters. We hold firm in our commitment that history will never repeat itself.

Clarington, Ontario –  The Municipality is releasing the following statement on behalf of Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.

"We mourn with Canadians from coast-to-coast the discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former residential school located on Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation land in Kamloops, British Columbia. Words cannot express our deep sadness at this horrific discovery that cements a dark chapter in Canada's history. Our hearts go out to the Survivors of the residential school system and their families. To those who have lost loved ones – your loss is unfathomable, and our condolences aren't enough. We hold firm to our commitment that history will never repeat itself.

We know that this discovery in Kamloops is not isolated; unfortunately, there are more. Residential schools ripped children from their families, placed them in institutions where they suffered unspeakable abuse and indoctrination. These schools were founded by the Canadian Government and operated until 1996 when the last school closed. Those who returned home are scarred for life; others never made it back. We know that this discovery has triggered immense trauma for Indigenous Peoples across Canada and right here in Ontario. Clarington is situated within Mississaugas and Chippewas of the Anishinabeg. We stand together with the Williams Treaties First Nations in our support and mourning.

While we cannot go back in time, we can move forward with a firm commitment to support and implement the recommendations made in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) – a document that enshrines the rights of First Nations. We also stand firm in our commitment to reconciliation and support the calls to action made by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, formerly the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to learn from and reflect on the past. We must promote healing and education. We must learn from the lessons of history and together ensure that every life matters, every child matters."

-  Adrian Foster – Mayor of the Municipality of Clarington

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Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Basia Radomski
Communications Manager
905-623-3379 ext. 2214 or bradomski@clarington.net