TORONTO, ONTARIO
MAY 31, 2021
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
IIT Statement on the finding of an unmarked grave with the remains of 215 Indigenous children in Kamloops, BC
The Islamic Institute of Toronto joins with other Canadians in expressing shock and a deep sense of sadness at the grim news of the remains of 215 Indigenous children found buried in an unmarked grave at Kamloops Indian Residential School in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation territory.
This horrific finding is a sad reminder of the injustices perpetrated on First Nations people, and the subsequent intergenerational trauma it has caused and continues to cause.
The Islamic Institute of Toronto is committed to building a respectful relationship with Indigenous communities by acknowledging their presence on this land before any European or other settler communities, by building awareness of the current and historical injustices they have faced and by being an ally to their cause.
In memory of these innocent children, the Islamic Institute of Toronto will:
- join with local governments and other non-governmental, private and public entities in lowering the Canadian flag on its premises to half-mast.
- encourage our community through our various platforms to build awareness of the issues faced by Indigenous communities across Canada and find the appropriate means to support them
- call on the Federal and Provincial governments in Canada to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for reconciliation.
- continue to support the Indigenous Peoples in their pursuit of Truth, Justice and Reconciliation
We pray that the Merciful Creator allow us the opportunity to make a positive contribution to this effort, and to all efforts in achieving peace, security and justice for all.
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