The flags at Town Hall and Town of Creston properties are being flown at half-mast in respect for, and in recognition of the 182 unmarked burials discovered at a site close to the former St. Eugene’s Mission School in Cranbrook. It is believed that the remains are from the member Bands of the Ktunaxa Nation, which includes the Lower Kootenay Band and community of ?aq’am. We understand that the Lower Kootenay Band is in the very early stages of receiving information from the reports of the findings and have requested for the general public to respect their privacy at this time.

A 24-hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for residential school survivors and others affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling 1-866-925-4419. In BC, the KUU-US Crisis Line provides First Nations and Indigenous specific support and can be reached at 1-800-588-8717.