Revised - Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon and the NDP have released statements about the graves of 215 children found last month near a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C.

“The Yukon Party official Opposition joins those across the country who are horrified at the discovery of the remains of 215 children on the traditional territory of the Tk’emlúpste Secwépemc First Nation near Kamloops,” Dixon said last week.

“Our hearts go out to the children and families of those whose lives were taken much too soon by actions that are nothing less than deplorable.

“We mourn the victims of the heinous atrocities and actions of abuse committed at residential schools across the country, and stand with the survivors.

“We encourage governments to prioritize and properly support actions 71 through 76 regarding Missing Children and Burial Information in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.”

A 24-hour national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available for former students and those affected, Dixon noted. The number is 1-866-925-4419.

There are also local supports available by contacting the Committee on Abuse in Residential Schools Society in Whitehorse at 1-867-667-2247, the Yukon Party leader noted.

The Yukon NDP said, “In light of the discovery of 215 children buried in an unmarked grave – genocide is the only word to describe what happened.

“Our hearts go out to all survivors and families of residential schools. We mourn for those children who never returned home,” the NDP added.

“We call on all levels of government to remain committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by taking steps to address real reconciliation with all Indigenous Peoples.”

Premier Sandy Silver expressed his condolences last Monday.