The Chief of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc says feasibility studies into the future of Kamloops Residential School building is expected to get underway soon.

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir says $1.5 million in federal funding to assess the feasibility of possible structural renovations and upgrades to the building is welcome news.

It was one of two funding commitments made by the Federal Government Thursday, the other being $12.5 million towards the construction of a new healing centre at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

Casimir says she hopes to see a lot of restoration work take place at the Kamloops Residential School building.

“We know that there is asbestos in the walls. There is a lot of old paint as well,” Casimir said. “It really needs a lot of tender loving care, but also that feasibility is going to cover what work needs to be taken and done to look at the restoration.”

The residential school was in operation between 1890 and 1978, run for most of that time by the Catholic Church. At one point, it was the largest residential school in Canada, with enrolment peaking at 500 in the 1950s.

Since the closure of the residential school, the building has seen many uses including as the band’s administration offices, a community space, and a day care.

“These buildings were inherited from the Federal Government and their usage and preservation has been approved by our community to serve as a reminder of our true collective history,” Casimir said.

“This funding is going to support the design and feasibility assessments to the facilities so that it can be fully utilized. This is so important to our community and to me and to all of us and for our people.”