The City of Kamloops has unveiled a new crosswalk at the corner of 5th Avenue and Victoria Street downtown in “honour and respect” of the one-year anniversary of the confirmation of Le Estcwicwéy̓ (The Missing).
A partnership between the City, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, the crosswalk with seven eagle feathers was designed in consultation with the Tk’emlúps Language and Culture Department and approved by band council.
“The anniversary of Le Estcwicwéy̓ reminds us of the tragic history of the past where children were lost, terrible injustices occurred, and Indigenous culture was threatened,” Mayor Ken Christian said, in a statement.
“The City of Kamloops stands with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and all Indigenous peoples as the healing continues. We hope the installation of this Indigenous crosswalk encourages residents and visitors to learn about the true history and help create a better tomorrow.”
A year ago, ground-penetrating radar confirmed the existence of unmarked graves of 215 children who were students at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. That discover led to several similar investigations at residential schools across Canada.
“This crosswalk project is important to the TNRD as a means of honoring our friends and partners who have shown courage and leadership as they have stepped up and guided the rest of Canada on a path of truth and healing, even as they continue to process their own pain this past year,” TNRD Director, and former Kamloops mayor, Mel Rothenburger, said, in a statement.
“It is our responsibility to recognize the truths of our local past and to support efforts towards reconciliation.”
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc also says the next round of ground-penetrating radar survey work near the former Kamloops Indian Residential School is set to begin later this week.
“This act of recognition is a visual reminder of our joint commitment to reconciliation, inclusiveness, awareness, and healing,” acting Tk’emlúps Kukpi7 Morning-Star Peters added, in a statement.
To mark the one-year anniversary, Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc is holding a ceremony at the Powwow Arbour on Monday, May 23.