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Dear People of the Diocese of Kootenay,

In response to the recent tragic events in Tumbler Ridge, you will find a link HERE to a letter on behalf of the Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbia and Yukon. 

Given the climate of intolerance that is rising in BC, regionally and nationally, I would invite parishes to open up their spaces for times of prayer and reflection if possible, or to hold a prayer vigil, to show how Anglicans stand in solidarity with victims, first responders, the community, and all who may suffer backlash in the coming days. 
The United Church of Canada's "Affirming Connections" has shared the below statement.  There is good wording for your own responses to people.  We need to be clear and remind people that the Anglican Church seeks to create a safe place where all people are welcomed, including all gender diversities.
You may wish to print a poster and send out all of the community resources listed at the bottom to support those impacted by these events and anyone who may be struggling with mental health. 
May God grant us wisdom, compassion, and grace as we respond pastorally to those in our communities traumatized by this crisis.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Lynne
 
A statement from UCoC "Affirming Connections"
By now, most of you will have heard about the mass shooting that happened yesterday in the small town of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia.
We join with millions of others across the country in mourning the unspeakable grief caused by this shooting and hold in our hearts the victims, their loved ones, and the countless others who are impacted by this devastation.
We categorically condemn this horrific violence - everyone deserves to live and learn safely, wherever they are.
We recognize that violent acts of one individual can sometimes be used to spread misinformation and hate against entire communities.
We reject all attempts to exploit this tragedy by further harming our beloved Two Spirit, trans, and gender diverse communities. Weaponizing grief is morally reprehensible and extremely dangerous.
As people of faith, we pray and work for a world without violence, where all can be safe, treasured, and belong.
Our hearts and energy are focused on Tumbler Ridge, the family members and loved ones of the victims, children, parents, and caregivers across Canada, first responders, and all who are facing unimaginable loss and fear.
You are not alone.
See this article for ways you can support children in your life, curated by the First Third Ministries team of the BC-based Pacific Mountain Region of the United Church of Canada.  A Prayer for the Community is available here.
See below for additional supports and ways to support the Tumbler Ridge community.

Supports and Help Lines

Provincial Supports (B.C.)
  • BC Crisis Line: 1-800-784-2433
  • Kuu-us Indigenous Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717 (Provides 24/7 culturally aware crisis support to Indigenous people in B.C.)
  • Foundry BC offers free, confidential mental health and wellness support (in person and online) for youth ages 12 to 24
  • Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health Services:
    • 604-586-4200
  • Help Starts Here - Provincial mental health supports
  • Report It Tool: Students can let schools know if something is wrong
  • BC's Mental Health Line: 310-6789
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8 (call or text)
  • Bereavement and Grief Support Line: 1-877-779-2223
  • Northern Health virtual and community mental health services: 1-844-645-7811
  • Sources Community Resource Centre | 604-531-6226 or sourcesbc.ca
National Supports
  • Kids Help Phone – Confidential and anonymous telephone and online counselling and referral service for young people up to age 20, available 24/7.
  • Trans Lifeline Canada: 1-877-330-6366
  • Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566
  • Interligne: Call or text 1-888-505-1010
    • Canada-wide listening, intervention and awareness services for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, available 24/7 and offered in English and French.
    • For Indigenous peoples across Canada. Telephone support is available upon request in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin), and Inuktitut & Two Spirit counsellors are available upon request.
  • Métis Crisis Line | 1-833-638-4722
    • Provides 24/7 mental health support, including crisis intervention and access to crisis programs.
  • LGBT Youthline (for youth up to age 25):
    • Call 1-800-268-9688
    • Text 647-694-4275
  • IRSS Crisis Line: 1-800-721-0066
 

Support Tumbler Ridge

  • A GoFundMe has been created to support families affected in Tumbler Ridge. This is a verified fundraiser organized by The Tumbler Ridge Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
    • If you prefer not to use GoFundMe, Lake View Credit Union has established an Interac e-Transfer account to support the Tumbler Ridge community. All funds collected will be administered in coordination with the TR PAC. Donations can be made in person at any LVCU branch or by eTransfer to TRStrong@lvcu.ca
  • The Government of BC offers various supports for those affected.
    • On the same web page, in the coming days, they will share secure donation options for the Tumbler Ridge community.
    • You can also send condolence messages via their online form.  
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