Every healing journey is sacred.


The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) is a provincial organization that provides essential services to residential school survivors and families experiencing intergenerational trauma. We have been supporting Indigenous people since 1994.

Our Programs & Services

Led by our Seven Guiding Principles, the Indian Residential School Survivors Society serves First Nations people in British Columbia with trauma-informed, emotional and culturally-appropriate health and wellness support. 

Lamathut Crisis Line

The Indian Residential School Survivors Society operates a 24-hour crisis line to support survivors and families across British Columbia and beyond. Survivors can also access support as part of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The crisis line will remain open during the winter holidays.

Holistic Support & Healing

We believe in the interconnectivity of all aspects of healing: the physical, mental emotional and cultural. We provide services that are safe, confidential and most importantly, with dignity and respect.

Two people with red handprints covering their faces

Advocating for Justice & Healing

We help survivors advocate for their rights by assisting with paperwork, applications, and attending court proceedings as support when needed. We understand the effects of intergenerational trauma and the importance of aftercare. We work to help our communities, young people and families with specific programs and support.

Community Enhancement Initiatives

The IRSSS provides an atmosphere that allows individuals to feel validated and heard, ensuring our physical and emotional safety. We offer programs for First Nations survivors and intergenerational trauma survivors, including the Two Spirit LGBTQIA+ community.

We also provide workshops for educational institutions and corporations looking to expand their understanding of the effects of Residential Schools in BC.


Together we can amplify the impacts of healing journeys across British Columbia. The IRSSS has healthy working relationships with community leaders and people making changes within grassroots movements. With our connections and your support, we can fund programs and services to better help Indian Residential School survivors, their families and loved ones.

It is important that we take care of our own spiritual, emotional, cultural, physical wellness, not only for our communities, but for ourselves and our families.
— Wahmeesh (Ken Watts), Elected Chief Councillor, Tseshaht First Nation