Today, Vancouver Island residents will honour the 215 children recently located in an unmarked grave at the site of a Kamloops Residential School with a ceremony and candlelight vigil downtown Victoria.
Hereditary Chief David Knox, member of the Kwakiulth First Nations, has given his permission for the public to attend and gather outdoors, in front of Mungo Martin House.
From 1 p.m. onwards on Monday, May 31st, Victoria residents are invited to gently place teddy bears and children’s shoes in front of Wawadit’la, Mungo Martin’s Bighouse at the Royal BC Museum.
Colleen Smith and Lou-ann Neel will be onsite to oversee.
At 8:30 p.m. Monday evening, there will be the lighting and placement of candles in a candlelight vigil. This will be followed by a moment of silence to honour the children, followed by Palaxa, the Medicine song.
Gatherers are kindly asked to bring their own candle and wear their orange shirts.
When attending any events, please adhere to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions, including proper physical distancing and wearing a mask or face-covering.
Gathering in Remembrance of the Children
When: Monday, May 31st, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Placement of teddy bears and children’s shoes 8:30 p.m., Candlelight vigil
Where: Wawadit’la, Mungo Martin’s Bighouse at the Royal BC Museum
