(LEVI LANDRY / iNFOnews.ca)

The federal government is committing $12.5 million for Tk'emlups te Secwepemc to help Indian Residential School survivors.

Prime minister Justin Trudeau promised funding for the healing centre in October 2021, and the federal government is now following through more than a year later.

"The legacy of residential schools is one that has tried to take our culture, language, and identity from us, causing profound damage. The healing house will provide culturally appropriate supports that will help to address these long-standing impacts," Tk'emlups Kukpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir said in a news release.

Tk'emlups has chosen an architect to design the new healing centre and will work with membership to create a welcome sign, according to the news release.

"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," Casimir said.

The release doesn't say where the new healing centre will be built, however.

“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. The community of Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc led the way in opening the nation’s eyes to the truths that were always known by Indigenous Peoples," Indigenous Services minister Patty Hajdu said. "Now, Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc paves the way in showing what is possible along the healing journey. Canada will continue to support the survivors, their families and the affected communities through their healing journeys, on their own terms.”

Tk'emlups announced the discovery of 215 unmarked possible graves in spring 2021, sparking other First Nations to do the same. They were discovered near the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, which the Band previously opted to keep through a community referendum.

The federal government will also supply $1.5 million to assess potential renovations at the former Indian Residential School, which serves as office space for the Band.

Along with the $12.5 million commitment, First Nations Health Authority gave Tk'emlups $1.3 million to plan for the healing centre, plus $2.5 million to support survivors in Tk'emlups and other communities, according to the news release.

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