Healing centre in Kamloops aims to be safe space for residential school survivors | CBC News
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WARNING: This story details experiences at residential schools.
A healing house on the shore of the South Thompson River in Kamloops, B.C., is taking shape to create a safe space for residential school survivors looking to heal from trauma.
The $12.5-million project is funded by the federal government, and sits on over 10 hectares of land on the outskirts of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc reserve.
Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc said the roundhouse-style building will offer day programs and services for elders and nation members, as well as an area for food preservation and space to grow medicinal plants.
The CBC’s Shelley Joyce took a tour of the large, airy, space with Casimir, and discovered how the healing centre aims to help people through traditional ceremonies and more.
An Indigenous healing centre near Kamloops, B.C., is taking shape along the shore of the South Thompson River. The $12.5 million project, funded by the federal government, is intended to be a safe, holistic space for survivors of residential school trauma. As the CBC’s Shelley Joyce reports, the goal is to be open for spiritual and mental healing by this fall.
A national 24-hour Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available at 1-866-925-4419 for emotional and crisis referral services for survivors and those affected.
Mental health counselling and crisis support are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat.