The mayor of Kamloops and B.C.’s Premier are some of the latest people to offer their thoughts to the discovery of 215 children found at the former residential school site on Tk‘emlúps te Secwepemc land.

The discovery was made public yesterday by Tk‘emlúps, something that has been assumed to be present for several decades. The remains were only confirmed this past weekend with the help of a ground-penetrating radar specialist.

Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian said the city offers its “deepest sympathies” to TteS and surrounding Indigenous communities.

“This is tragic and absolutely devastating,” Christian says. “We cannot begin to imagine the pain this discovery has caused, but we share your sorrow.”

In its statement, the city says: “the dark history of residential schools can never be forgotten. As a community, we must stand together to acknowledge this terrible past and the trauma it effected then and now. It is our responsibility to recognize the truths of this past and support reconciliation efforts.”

Premier John Horgan has issued a statement this morning saying he is “horrified and heartbroken” by the discovery.

“I honour Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc as they grapple with this burden from a dark chapter of Canadian history and uphold their commitment to complete this investigation over the coming weeks – bringing to light the full truth of this loss,” he said.

“Each child has been forever taken from a family and a community that loved them. This is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. And it is a stark example of the violence the Canadian residential school system inflicted upon Indigenous peoples and how the consequences of these atrocities continue to this day.”

Canada’s Minister of Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, says her heart breaks for families and communities impacted by this tragic news.

“The (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) brought to light the truth about history and what took place at residential schools. Once we know the truth, you cannot unknow it. We are here to support your healing as we honour the loved ones lost,” she said on twitter.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also weighed in on the discovery on twitter.

“The news that remains were found at the former Kamloops residential school breaks my heart – it is a painful reminder of that dark and shameful chapter of our country’s history,” he wrote. “I am thinking about everyone affected by this distressing news. We are here for you.”

Both Bennett and Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller have reached out to Tk‘emlúps chief Rosanne Casimir and other band members since last night to offer supports.

Kamloops-Thompson Cariboo Conservative MP Cathy McLeod, who was formerly the shadow critic for Indigenous Affairs, says she was stunned.

“Like many, I had known there were children who never returned home. But the sheer numbers – myself and many across Canada – our hearts just broke,” McLeod said on the NL Morning News.

The investigation into the findings of children’s remains on Tk‘emlúps land is continuing, and will likely take several more weeks. The band is also working with the BC Coroner’s Service and the Royal Museum of BC to try and identify some of the remains found.

The province says there is a 24-hour toll-free crisis line available for residential school survivors and family members affected at 1-800-588-8717. A dedicated youth crisis line is 250-723-2040, and the adult crisis line is 250-723-4050.

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has also been set up at 1-866-925-4419.