The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation has requested tens of millions in federal funding, including $40 million to modernize the former Kamloops Indian Residential School and $3.3 million for a national shrine, following its 2021 announcement of unmarked graves on the property.
Blacklock's Reporter says despite no human remains being recovered to date, the federal government has pledged ongoing support as part of reconciliation efforts.
“The department is ready to flow funds,” stated a 2021 email from Crown-Indigenous Relations staff. “Timelines are for Tk’emlúps to determine. Needs can shift even if they haven’t figured everything out and the conversation is ongoing. There is no deadline.”
In May 2021, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc announced the discovery of 215 "children’s graves" at the former Residential School. The figure was later revised to 200 “potential burials.”
Since then, the First Nation has received over $12.1 million in federal funding for fieldwork and recovery efforts. Records show the money has been allocated to consultants, publicists, and other services.
The First Nation has also advocated for the Kamloops Indian Residential School to be designated as a national historic site.
Parks Canada confirmed that the application process is ongoing but noted the possibility of unmarked graves is not a factor in the designation.
“A number of Residential Schools have been designated as national historic sites to commemorate the history and legacy of the system,” Parks Canada stated.
Tk’emlúps is also seeking federal funding to renovate and retrofit the school’s aging buildings, which were transferred to the First Nation in 1978.
A full modernization to meet current health and safety codes is estimated at $40 million. Annual operating costs for the facility are approximately $700,000, with an additional $1 million spent annually on maintenance over the last five years, according to internal documents.
“Tk’emlúps has borne the cost of these colonial buildings,” said a staff memo. “The community has inherited them, and the costs should not be on the shoulders of the community.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged support during a visit to Kamloops in 2021, following criticism for skipping Truth and Reconciliation Day observances to vacation in Tofino, B.C.
“I am sorry I wasn’t here,” Trudeau said at the time. “It was a mistake.”
“To the survivors who shared their powerful, moving, heartbreaking stories, I have heard you,” Trudeau said. “To the families, to this community, I am listening to what we need to do to make amends as a country. Actions are the way forward. You remind us the healing path happens when those responsible take real action to make amends.”
The Kamloops Indian Residential School operated from 1890 to 1978, encompassing 15 buildings, including dormitories, a swimming pool, and facilities for music and sports.
