The Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation in British Columbia was classified as a “priority client” for federal grants after it announced the discovery of 215 potential children’s graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, newly released records show.
Blacklock's Reporter says before the 2021 announcement, federal documents reveal that the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc, with a population of 1,500, had twice been denied funding by the Department of Heritage, including a request to support the development of a local museum.
In one internal memo, officials wrote, “This project is not recommended for funding,” citing that proposals to develop programming, compile research on Confederation, and share best practices among Secwepemc communities were unsuccessful.
Following the publicized finding of graves, the First Nation secured more than $12.1 million in federal funding, including grants for a new museum.
A Department of Heritage manager even reached out directly to offer personal support for future funding applications, providing her contact information to assist with subsidies.
Despite the allocation of millions for excavation, forensic testing, and DNA analysis, no remains have been recovered from the Kamloops site to date.
The Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation has not responded to requests for comment.
In a 2022 grant application, the First Nation described the 2021 discovery, writing, “It was with a heavy heart that Tk’emlups te Secwepemc confirmed an unthinkable loss that was spoken about but never documented.”
They credited a ground-penetrating radar specialist for revealing the “preliminary findings” of what they described as the confirmation of 215 children’s remains.
The claim was later adjusted to 200 "potential burials."
Records also show that federal managers expedited funding approvals for the First Nation ahead of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2021 visit, during which he said he wished to “pay my respects to the graves.”
Trudeau acknowledged the discovery as a national turning point, stating, “That’s the realization that Canadians have taken on following the leadership right here in Tk’emlups, a discovery in May of 215 indigenous kids in the graves just up the hill.”
