The Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation has raised concerns regarding the future of the Kamloops Indian Residential School site, which garnered significant attention after the discovery of 215 potential unmarked graves in 2021. The nation acknowledges the challenges in reaching a full consensus on the burial site, suggesting various potential outcomes such as excavation or preserving the orchard as a sacred space. The complexity of the situation is compounded by the fact that more than 500 children from multiple Indigenous nations attended the school, making the need for dialogue and agreement across affected communities critical.

In its recent statement, the First Nation highlighted that their ongoing investigation has identified areas of interest within the school property, with some features resembling burial signatures. However, some areas have already been ruled out as potential burial sites. The Tk’emlups te Secwepemc emphasizes the importance of respectful treatment for any ancestral remains located on the site, which further underscores the need for careful consideration and sensitive handling of the issue. Engaging with the broader community and recognizing the diverse perspectives is crucial as they navigate through these decisions.

Lastly, while seeking consensus is important, the First Nation has stated that full agreement may be an elusive goal. This acknowledgment reflects the deep and varied impacts of residential schools on Indigenous peoples, indicating that discussions about the grave site are more than just logistical; they encompass emotional healing, remembrance, and the push for greater recognition of past injustices. Thus, the way forward will require not only sensitivity but also cooperative dialogue among all parties involved.