UBCIC Stands with Williams Lake First Nation and all Residential School Survivors amidst Results of Phase II Geophysical Investigation into St. Joseph Mission Residential School

January 25, 2023

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. ) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) shares heartfelt prayers for comfort and healing with all those impacted by the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) announcement detailing the results of their Phase II Geophysical Investigation into the former St. Joseph Mission Residential School, detailing 66 new reflections which display characteristics indicative of potential human burials. Phase I of the WLFN Geophysical Investigation announced 93 reflections this time last year in January 2022.

We stand with the survivors who were forcibly taken to one of the region’s most notorious Residential Schools that operated for nearly a century. We raise our hands to Chief Sellars, the Williams Lake First Nations administration, community members and investigative team for their diligence, care, and leadership and offer our support and steadfast commitment to stand behind BC First Nations seeking justice, accountability and healing.

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Media inquiries:

Brandon Hoffman, Marketing & Communications Coordinato

250. 296.3507 ext. 185
Brandon.Hoffman@wlfn.ca

For Interviews with Chiefs Willie Sellars

Maggie Berns, Executive Assistant to the CAO & Chief

250.296.3507 ext. 138
Maggie.Berns@wlfn.ca

General Inquiries about the SJM Investigation

Whitney Spearing, Lead Investigator

778-417-0196
Whitney.Spearing@wlfn.ca

Dominique Melanson, SJM Investigation Administrative Coordinator

778.417.0198
dominique.melanson@wlfn.ca

For more information please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca

NT5