May 31, 2021
To all staff, students, and faculty:
The University of Windsor has lowered its flags to half-mast Monday to honour the lives of the 215 Indigenous children found in a mass grave at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School site. Our thoughts are with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and the Indigenous communities and families who are mourning this unspeakable tragedy and the intergenerational effects of residential schools. We recognize that the trauma reverberates throughout Indigenous communities across Canada.
It is our collective responsibility to learn about and face the history of violence and tragedy experienced by Indigenous peoples, and the ongoing impact of residential schools. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Reports are critical resources for this work. Systemic racism continues to threaten Indigenous peoples in this country and we all play a part in working towards change.
Students needing support are encouraged to contact the UWindsor Student Counselling Centre at scc@uwindsor.ca to book an appointment. Alternatively, MySSP provides (My Student Support Program) for 24/7 free confidential counselling by licensed counsellors available via talk or text. Call 1-844-451-9700 or download the MySSP app at www.uwindsor.ca/MySSP. Faculty and staff can access confidential support through the Employee and Family Assistance Program, which offers professional and confidential counselling and information services.
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is also available to provide support for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of residential school experiences. You can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the national crisis line at 1-866 925-4419.
Robert Gordon, PhD
President & Vice-Chancellor
University of Windsor