Mr. White's Form V students are learning about Indigenous culture and suppression in their History of Quebec and Canada class.

Three weeks ago, our Form V students were learning about the Oka crisis. The History department then decided to delve deeper and discuss The Indian Act, the Treaties and Reservations, and residential school system. "Once we had established the history, we began exploring the various narratives by looking at different sources. What was most impressive was that, regardless of what country the students were from, they began engaging in the material and asking more and more questions," explained Mr. White. "When the news broke on the weekend about what had been discovered in Kamloops, it was, sadly, the perfect opportunity to demonstrate how this is an ongoing issue that affects not just Canadians, but all humankind."

We sat down with a few of Mr. White's students to hear their thoughts and opinions about the topics covered during the past three weeks of class and their reaction to the recent discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Andrew T. first learned about residential schools and Indigenous suppression last fall. "I learned about residential schools during Orange Shirt Day. Knowing the struggles of other people and everything they have been through is so important—it helps people become more compassionate, caring, and understanding of the pain [others] have been through."

Leo S. was horrified to learn about Canada's ongoing history. "Mr. White was the first person who taught me about residential schools. We need to speak up against others who make insensitive comments about it and continue to raise awareness," voiced Leo. "It feels covered and hidden—it deserves more attention than it gets."

Xenia, too, was shocked and saddened, stressing the importance of educating oneself and raising awareness. "It's important to raise awareness of what these people have suffered and been through. Listen to survivors, learn from it, and educate others. It's important to talk about it because the Indigenous community is still suffering."

Our community is committed to continuing these difficult and essential conversations. We urge everyone to continue to learn about the horrifying reality and lasting effect of residential schools on survivors, families, and communities and how settler colonialism continues to impact our Indigenous neighbours. Reconciliation cannot happen without truth.