The Federal Government has announced $12.5 million in funding towards the construction of a new healing centre at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir called it a “truly monumental day” for the band and for survivors of the Kamloops Indian Residential School.

“This announcement of a healing house will provide a culturally safe and relevant support along with the capacity to contribute to the current and future well being of our people who’ve been impacted,” Casimir said, noting the money will flow through the First Nations Health Authority.

“This is supporting our survivors. This is supporting our intergenerational survivors, these resources are going to be there to create that forward thinking, holistic approach of a healthier, future generation,” Casimir added.

Indigenous Services Minister, Patty Hajdu was on hand for the announcement at Moccasin Square Gardens Thursday along with Colleen Erickson, the Board Chair of the First Nations Health Authority.

“Two years ago, the discovery of 215 burial sites at the former Kamloops Residential School, as well as unmarked graves at other former residential school sites, shocked the country,” Hajdu said, in a statement.

“Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc led the way in opening the nation’s eyes to the truths that were always known by Indigenous Peoples. Now they pave the way in showing what is possible along the healing journey.”

Last October, Casimir told NL News the healing centre had been identified as the top priority for Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc, following a promise of “concrete actions” on reconciliation made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a trip to Kamloops in October 2021.

“The healing house will provide culturally appropriate supports that will help to address these long-standing impacts,” Casimir said. “It will support healing for our Survivors and those impacted by Kamloops Indian Residential School, leading to healthier futures for our children and those not yet born.”

“Trust goes a long way when words and actions are in sync. Following through with the commitment to provide sustainable funding for the healing centre, which will support the need of addressing the intergenerational mental trauma caused by the experience at KIRS, is a step towards that positive path forward.”

It is not clear where the healing centre will be built – or what the total cost will be – though the band has picked an architect and will be working with residents on the design.

“It is going to be in a safe place, that has been identified that its going to be away from the residential school,” Casimir said.

“It is going to be in a place that is going to be welcoming. It is going to be safe. It is going to be nurturing. It’s going to be respectful, and its going to be honouring our true culture and our history. And it will be non-colonialistic.”

Tk’emlúps is also working on a new elders’ lodge and a museum, with Casimir telling NL News the hope is that federal government will earmark funding for those projects. as well.

The Federal Government is also providing up to $1.5 million to assess the feasibility of possible structural renovations and design upgrades to the Kamloops Indian Residential School, which will help determine how much money will be needed for future work.

In a community referendum, Tk’emlúps chose to preserve the school to ensure that its history is never forgotten.