Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Kamloops Monday to attend a residential school memorial ceremony, marking the one year anniversary of a suspected discovery of burial grounds at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, as announced by the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation at the time..The prime minister’s attendance was met with a mixed response. Some cheered, others heckled. One group pounded drums and chanted angrily..“We all know that earlier this year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, he apologized,” said Tk̓emlúps Kukpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir, referring to the prime minister’s famous surfing trip in Tofino, BC during the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation..“Missing the first day of truth and reconciliation, he reached out, he owned that and dedicated a whole entire day to our community.”.Casimir commended Trudeau for “listening to our peoples’ truths throughout the nation,” further highlighting her “appreciation” for his presence at the ceremony..“I know that it takes strong, strong leadership to work towards a better future for all of us,” she said..However, hecklers began shouting their grievances when it came time for the prime minister to address those in attendance, and it was apparent not all shared Casimir’s sentiment..“I had the opportunity earlier to speak to a number of elders and I know for them it’s something that they want to hear, me sharing my reflections,” Trudeau said in response to indigenous hecklers..“I hear your anger towards me and that’s fine, but I’d ask you to respect your elders, please.”.The prime minister’s message and purpose of his visit, as he put it, is that his government is “here for you.”
