Dear Colleagues,

Reaction to the Colten Boushie verdict has reverberated throughout the country. On behalf of Thompson Rivers University, I extend sincere condolences to the Boushie family and friends and to the many people at TRU and across Canada, who are confused and heartsick at this time.

We knew that the path to reconciliation would not be easy and it is tempting to feel that as a country, we have experienced a setback. However, I am convinced that we will successfully travel the path if we walk hand in hand. Now is the time for healing and for remembering that TRU’s motto, created in Secwepemcstin is “T7etsxem7nte re stselxmem” which means “to strive ahead.” Let us renew our determination to press forward together.

I invite the community to come together tomorrow at 11 a.m. in the Mountain Room to share our feelings and to stand against racism and for reconciliation.

In closing, I include a poem by Senator Murray Sinclair, the Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and friend to TRU, in which he shares his feelings for us to read and understand.

Today I grieve for my country.
I grieve for a family
that has seen only injustice
from the moment a farmer with a handgun
(why does a farmer need a handgun?)
killed their son.
I grieve for a mother
who saw the police raid her house
and treat her like a criminal
and not the victim she was.
I grieve for other mothers
with empty arms
who are reminded of their own loss
at the hands of others.
and the lack of answers that haunt them still
I grieve for the youth
who now see no hope,
and whose hunger for justice
gives rise to anger.
I grieve for the children
whose lives now have
one more jeopardy.
I grieve for the elders
who have seen this before.

Sincerely,

Alan Shaver
President and Vice-Chancellor