ECE Statement on Recent Tragic Discoveries at Former Residential School Sites

*Content warning: The following announcement refers to residential schools*

We in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department would like to express our heartbreak and solidarity with Indigenous students, staff, faculty and community members as a result of the ongoing work to recover unidentified remains of children at former residential schools. We share in the grief being experienced at this incredibly difficult time. While people may already have ways to cope and find strength, we would like to encourage connecting with a loved one, slowing down to rest, or reach out to the supports that are available 24/7.

Resources for Indigenous students:

Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada. It is available 24/7 and services are offered in English and French, and by request in Inuktitut, Cree, and Ojibway. Call the toll-free Help line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca

Indian Residential School Crisis Line (IRSSS) offers emotional support and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line at 1-866-925-4419.

The KUU-US Crisis Line Society operates a 24/7 crisis line serving the entire province. More information is available at https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com/ or BC Wide Toll Free: 1-800-KUU-US17 (1-800-588-8717)

Métis Crisis Line is available 24/7 for crisis services. Call BC Toll Free: 1-833MétisBC (1-833-638-4722)

For non-Indigenous individuals, you may be thinking of what you can do to support Indigenous members of your community. In doing so, remember to be mindful of the actions you can take as an individual including learning more about reconciliation by reading the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, reviewing the Indigenous Strategic Plan, and speaking to other non-Indigenous friends about your learnings. We also encourage students to reach out to the UBC Student Assistance Program if needed: https://students.ubc.ca/health/ubc-student-assistance-program-sap