SAMRU’s statement in support of Indigenous communities and Reconciliation

We are deeply saddened by the recent discovery at the former residential school on T’Kemlups te Secwépemc First Nation land in BC, and the effect this discovery is having on the Indigenous members of the campus community at MRU. This tragic event reminds us of the ongoing impact of residential schools, especially for Indigenous students whose lives have been generationally impacted by racism and the traumas of the former residential school system. We want you to know that you’re not alone and your Students’ Association is here to offer support and appropriate referrals to resources to students who need it. To those non-Indigenous members of our community, this terrible discovery reminds us that it is critical that we recognize the ongoing importance of reconciliation. We will continue to work towards that goal as an organization. We honour their memory. We will not forget them.Students’ Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU).

Compiled below is a list of local resources as well as other national initiatives and organizations to support Indigenous communities.

Local Indigenous Supports:

Iniskim Centre | Naato’ohsokay Medicine Trail Program (MRU students)403-440-8742 
Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary403- 270-7379
Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society403-531-1972 or 403-531-1976 (Crisis line)
Traditional Wellness Counselor Services403-955-6600 (Central Registration)
Indigenous Mental Health Program403-955-6645 (Intake)

National Indigenous Supports:

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line1-866-925-4419 24/7 service
Canada Suicide Prevention Service1-833-456-4566
Hope for Wellness Indigenous HelpLine1-855-242-3310
Hope for Wellness: Online chat Counselling Service(Chat available in Cree, Ojibwe, Inuktitut, English, and French)
StrongHearts Native HelpLine1-844-762-8483
Indian Residential School Survivors Society1-800-721-0066

A candlelight vigil to honour the memories of the children who never made it home is planned for Saturday night. The event begins at 9 p.m. in front of Calgary City Hall at 800 McLeod Trail Southeast. Image displayed by CTV News Calgary.