Advertisement

Stoney Creek memorial grows to children found in unmarked burial sites at former residential school in B.C.

Hundreds of pairs of shoes were recently placed at the Eagles Among Us monument at Battlefield House, in response to the discovery of unmarked graves at a former residential school site in B.C. Janice Lukas

A remembrance has taken shape in Stoney Creek to the 215 children found in unmarked burial sites at the location of a former residential school in British Columbia.

Hundreds of 100 pairs of shoes have been left at the Eagles Among Us monument at Battlefield House, and arranged into a circle ahead of a vigil at 6 p.m. Monday.

Story continues below advertisement

Jordan Carrier, one of the organizers of the tribute, said they hope to receive 215 pairs.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

She said the shoes are “a stark reminder, when you see the empty shoes of children, that they never made it home.”

Those attending Monday evening’s vigil were reminded to follow COVID-19 protocols.

“We have a few women, hard drummers, that will sing some honour songs,” Carrier said. “We have a community elder who will also be coming to share some words.”

Carrier added that a jingle dress dancer will also perform, as the “jingle dress itself is a healing dance.”

Story continues below advertisement

She said her hope is that the vigil woul be “a real good evening of prayer, reflection and remembrance.”

The Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council released a statement on Friday calling the Kamloops, B.C., discovery a “stark reminder of the atrocities committed during Canada’s dark history of the residential school system.”
“Anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience can access this 24-hour, toll-free and confidential National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.”

Sponsored content

AdChoices