Indian Residential School Survivors Society to open Fort St. John office

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A non-profit dedicated to the wellbeing of First Nations’ people who endured Indian Residential Schools will open offices in Fort St. John.

The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) is scheduled to unveil its new offices in the city in early October.

The organization was founded in 1994 and is dedicated to supporting those survivors and their families, including counselling, advocacy and community outreach, according to its website.

The offices will be located in the Treaty 8 Tribal Association’s building at 10233 100th Avenue. 

The IRSSS’ executive director, Angela White, says the opening of the facility allows opportunities for the group to “support the unique needs of the region.”

White said in a statement: “This new space allows us to provide culturally grounded, trauma-informed support and resources to survivors and families impacted by the legacy of residential schools.

“We are committed to walking alongside the community as it heals, celebrates its resilience and builds a stronger, healthier future.”

The grand opening of the IRSSS’ Fort St. John offices will take place on Friday, October 3rd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where attendees can meet local staff, with some refreshments provided.

More details about the IRSSS are available on its website.