Barrhaven Vigil for Residential School Victims

A Barrhaven school is leading the way in remembering the 215 Indigenous children whose remains were recently found at a residential school in British Columbia.

The Ottawa Christian School, located at 255 Tartan Drive backing onto Strandherd Dr. near Borrisokane Road, is holding a community vigil that will last from Monday, June 7 until the end of the month.

The school is asking local residents who want to contribute to the vigil to bring a stuffed toy to show your support and place it along the parking lot fence. The stuffed toy or animal and related signs are expected to remain on display until June 30.

Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day, formerly called National Aboriginal Day, is annually held on June 21 to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of the nation’s Aboriginal peoples.

“We thank you for your participation and for helping raise the awareness that all children are precious and their lives matter,” said Karl Gray.

The news of the discovery in Kamloops, BC was made public last week by the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation. The remains were buried in unmarked sites on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.