Lowering flag to half-mast, SLMHC takes time to honour lives of those lost at Kamloops Residential School

Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) joins Canadians in the grief and heartbreak felt across the country with the recent news of the remains of 215 children recently discovered at the Kamloops Residential School. At this time, we wish to express our condolences to the families and communities whose children attended the school.  We also keep the many survivors of Indian Residential Schools across Canada in our thoughts, who are impacted directly and indirectly by these recent findings. Every child matters and we will be honouring their lives by lowering our flag at the William A George Extended Care Facility to half-mast today and for the remainder of the week.   We also encourage our staff and physicians to wear orange today, Monday, May 31, and throughout this week as we recognize that #everychildmatters.

Support is available for anyone affected by the effects of residential schools, and those who are triggered by the latest reports. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-721-0066.

A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.

For residents of Sioux Lookout and the communities we serve, SLMHC offers counselling through our Mental Health and Addictions Program. Appointments for a counsellor can be made by calling (807) 737-1275.  Additionally, Crisis Response Services are available 24/7 by calling 1-866-888-8988 and Nishnawbe Aski Mental Health Wellness Support Access Program (NAN Hope) can be called at 1-844-NAH-HOPE (626-4673), which is also a 24/7 hotline.