More than 215 trucks roll past former Kamloops residential school to show support for Indigenous community

Horns were honked, fists were raised, and tears were shed.

More than 215 transport trucks, pick-up trucks and cars from Merritt, Williams Lake and Kelowna drove onto Tk’emlups land in solidarity and to honour the 215 children whose unmarked graves were found last week.

There were also First Nations from northern B.C. and Alberta in attendance.

The Merritt Convoy was organized by Jim Beckett. The group rolled out down the highway to Kamloops shortly after 9:30 am Saturday. Prior to leaving the truckers heard speeches and saw traditional dances from local first nations thanking them for the solidarity.

“We need to make a statement loud and clear, we need to show first nations that were there for support. Stand together and unite as one,” said Beckett. “We want to be there for support, its Canadians for Canadians at the end of the day. We need to mourn the loss of those children.”

“We had such a response we had to set up a couple of convoys,” added Becket. “I’m just amazed of how many people showed up and the support of this convoy today.”

“I think it’s a great way to support the people and the 215 bodies that were found in Kamloops,” said Shackan Chief Arnold Lampreau. “In the last few weeks, emotions have been really high, I cant comprehend how much hurt has been placed on the people of the residential school system.”

(with files from Chad Klassen/CFJC)