Xyólhmet ye Syéwiqwélh
An invitation to commemorate and take care of our children
It is with a heavy heart that we share an invitation to residential school survivors, their families and communities, community partners, neighbour's and allies to witness a weaving of funeral and memorial ceremonies for the missing children and the unmarked graves and burials of the children who attended the St. Mary’s Residential School in Mission, B.C..
These ceremonies will be held on Friday September 29th, Saturday September 30th, and Sunday, October 1st, 2023 at the Fraser River Heritage Park at 7494 Mary St, Mission, BC, the former site of the St. Mary’s Residential School in Mission, BC.
Although we’ve always known about the missing children and unmarked graves, there has been important archival, oral historical and on-site remote sensing work since August 2021 to identify as much information as possible at three of the former Residential School sites within S’ólh Témémxw.
There are no words that capture the pain and devastation that the children, survivors of Residential School and their families have experienced. The ceremonies are a step towards healing. We hope to bring a sense of dignity and respect for the children’s spirits who have been waiting and we hope this brings a sense of peace for survivors of Residential School.
This sensitive initiative is being led by Xyólhmet ye Syéwiqwélh, which means Taking Care of Our Children, a group of representatives from the Stó:lō Nation Chiefs Council, Stó:lō Tribal Council and Independent First Nations.
These ceremonies will be held on Friday September 29th, Saturday September 30th, and Sunday, October 1st, 2023 at the Fraser River Heritage Park at 7494 Mary St, Mission, BC, the former site of the St. Mary’s Residential School in Mission, BC.
Although we’ve always known about the missing children and unmarked graves, there has been important archival, oral historical and on-site remote sensing work since August 2021 to identify as much information as possible at three of the former Residential School sites within S’ólh Témémxw.
There are no words that capture the pain and devastation that the children, survivors of Residential School and their families have experienced. The ceremonies are a step towards healing. We hope to bring a sense of dignity and respect for the children’s spirits who have been waiting and we hope this brings a sense of peace for survivors of Residential School.
This sensitive initiative is being led by Xyólhmet ye Syéwiqwélh, which means Taking Care of Our Children, a group of representatives from the Stó:lō Nation Chiefs Council, Stó:lō Tribal Council and Independent First Nations.
Cultural Protocol
Protocol for Neighbours and Allies, and a reminder for all of us
- There are absolutely no photos, videos, drawings, recordings or anything that depicts the ceremony
- Please arrive early and plan to stay for the entirety of the ceremonies. There is no end time for the ceremonies. Timing in ceremonies is not scheduled. They will end when they end
- Please stay seated throughout the ceremonies that are happening on the floor. It is appropriate between speakers to quietly step away if needed
- Some people are not familiar with traditional foods. If you are feeling unfamiliar, please serve yourself small portions - feeding guests is an important part of the ceremonies
- If you are given a gift, please do not refuse a gift - gifts are a custom and a part of the ceremonial work
- Please remember the ceremonies are a funeral and memorial service so be mindful of young children
AGENDA
Funeral and memorial services are scheduled for the missing Stó:lō and Indigenous children and unmarked graves and burials of students of the former St. Mary’s Residential School sites in Mission, BC. The ceremonies will be held on Friday, September 29th, Saturday September 30th, and Sunday, October 1, 2023 at the former site of the Old St Mary’s Residential School at the Fraser River Heritage Park at 7494 Mary St, Mission, BC..
Please read the agenda for more information about the three days.
Please read the agenda for more information about the three days.
RSVP
This sacred work will be taking place at the former sites of the St. Mary Residential Schools in Mission, BC. We are asking guests to RSVP so we can anticipate the number of people attending.
PARKING
There is limited parking at the Fraser River Heritage Park. We are asking people to park at the Pekw'xe:yles site, the new St. Mary's Residential School McCoombs St, Mission, BC V4S 1L7.
There will be a shuttle service bringing people from Pekweyles to the Fraser River Heritage Park, the old St. Mary's Residential School site throughout the three days
There will be a shuttle service bringing people from Pekweyles to the Fraser River Heritage Park, the old St. Mary's Residential School site throughout the three days
CONNECT
If you would like more information about the Stó:lō Commemoration Ceremonies, please contact us.
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604.997.4913
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