Tomorrow is the start of Indigenous Peoples Month, a time to honour the history, heritage and valuable contributions of the vibrant and diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities here today. Sadly, this year’s celebrations are marred by the horrific discovery, announced last week, of 215 children buried in an unmarked grave at Kamloops Indian Residential School in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation territory.

This is a terrible tragedy and a stark reminder of the genocide imposed on First Nations, Inuit and Métis. I want to send my condolences to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and all those still living with the generational trauma inflicted by the residential and day school system and Canada’s treatment of Indigenous peoples, including some of our own colleagues at the City.

In memory of the lives lost, and to recognize the ongoing need for truth and reconciliation, this past Sunday the Toronto sign was dimmed and the City’s flags were lowered to half-mast for nine days – 215 hours to represent each life.

I realize these painful events may be difficult to read about, so I encourage you to seek support if you need it. For survivors and families, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Lineprovides emotional and crisis referral services. The 24-hour line can be reached at 1-866-925-4419. City employees also have access to the Employee Assistance Program which offers confidential, short-term counselling, information and referral services for members of the Toronto Public Service and eligible family members. They can also connect you with a culturally appropriate counsellor.

As a country and a city, we are still grappling with this shameful part of Canada’s history, which has far-reaching impacts still felt today. The City of Toronto is actively working towards truth, reconciliation and justice and I encourage you to become familiar with the City’s commitments to Indigenous peoples.

In this time of grief, please know that I remain committed to taking action to advance reconciliation, both as your City Manager and a settler on Indigenous lands, and I urge all City staff to join me in ensuring that the City’s commitment is reflected throughout the Toronto Public Service.

Chris Murray

City Manager