Offering support and solidarity to our Indigenous communities

Dear colleagues and students,

Last weekend, news of the discovery of a mass grave in Kamloops, British Columbia, at the former Residential School for Indigenous children was reported; a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact these schools had, and continue to have, on Indigenous communities.

The loss of these children and the grief their families and communities continue to face today are significant.

Durham College stands with all those who are struggling or find themselves re-victimized by the news of this tragedy. In respect and honour as Indigenous communities mourn, beginning today, the flags at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses will remain lowered for 215 hours, one hour for each child who never returned home.

If you need support, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to help former residential school students, their families, and others affected at 1.866.925.4419.

Additional assistance can be accessed through the services listed below.

For students:

For employees:

Morneau Shepell services can be accessed 24/7 by phone at 1.844.880.9142, TTY at 1.877.338.0275 or online at www.workhealthlife.com.

Additionally, support is available through the First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC) including:

  • One-on-one support with Indigenous Coaches;
  • Access to Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers; and
  • Information and referral to services to local Indigenous community organizations.

To learn more about Canada’s shared history with Indigenous people and reconciliation, the FPIC invites you to participate in the upcoming series Durham Indigenous Voices Reconciliation, Resistance, Resilience and Resurgence. This four-part series commencing on June 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., begins with a focus on reconciliation and features a panel of Indigenous speakers from the Durham Region, with special guest Dr. Pam Palmater. To register, please click here.

Also, we encourage you to self-register for the DC Indigenous Histories and Reconciliation Modules located under the self-registration tab on DC Connect and to participate in an Indigenous Learning Circle which you may register for by visiting the DC Training Registration (VPN must be turned on to access this link) calendar.

For more information and to connect, please email indigenous@durhamcollege.ca.