The flags at Trent University’s two campuses will fly at half mast for 215 hours starting at noon on May 31 – one hour for each of the children of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation whose remains have been located at a former BC residential school. The heartbreaking tragedy is a reminder of the devastating effects of the residential school system that continue to affect communities to this day.

At Trent, this terrible event reminds us of young Chanie Wenjack, the Anishnaabe boy who died fleeing a residential school in northern Ontario. His name lives on in The Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University.

The University together with our First Peoples House of Learning and The Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies extend our condolences, thoughts and prayers to the people of the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc First Nation. We will continue our educational efforts to create places of dignity and respect for Indigenous peoples throughout Canada and the world. 

Counselling supports are available through Trent Wellness Services.