Truck convoy makes way to Kamloops in honour of 215 children

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KAMLOOPS (NEWS 1130) – Truckers and other drivers from across B.C. made their way to Kamloops Saturday, driving to the site of the former Indian Residential School, in honor of the 215 children whose remains were discovered last month.

The “We stand in solidarity convoy 215+” was created by driver Mike Otto, and saw trucks come from all over the interior, including Kelowna and Merritt to pay their respects.

Otto says it was an idea that quickly caught fire on social media, and before he knew it, hundreds had agreed to join him and take to the roads.

“It was incredible, and we needed to help with the fight. They can’t be ignored anymore. Enough is enough. Let’s show them some respect,” he says.

The event took a particularly emotional turn once the convoy entered Kamloops.

“There was probably 300 or 400 people there, if not more, and not to forget around the school. Something like that you would have had to see for yourself,” Otto says. “It was definitely a moving experience; I was in tears.”

He says they plan to make this a yearly event.

“We want families to get closure. Because these kids that are missing, their families didn’t know where they went, they didn’t know what happened,” Otto says.

A father himself, Otto says, “I can’t imagine that happening to my kid; my child being taken away from me for no reason.”

“We want to be there to show them that they’re not alone. We want to help, and I’m hoping everyone in Canada takes up that that mantle and show their respect to our indigenous people,” Otto added.

A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available for anyone affected by residential schools. You can call 1-866-925-4419 24 hours a day to access emotional support and services.

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