On February 10, 2026, at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, an 18-year-old took the lives of eight people and injured 27 others. Most of the victims were children.

The Kind Space team extends our deepest condolences to the victims and their families affected by this horrific act of violence. Our hearts are with those directly affected and with everyone who is holding fear, anger, and sorrow in the aftermath of this tragedy. Our schools and communities should be safe spaces for everyone, free from the threat of harm. 

The focus of this tragedy should be on honouring the victims, with a thorough and proper investigation, and addressing the failures in our policing and mental health systems that made the unthinkable, possible. Unfortunately, many have already, and will continue, to use this tragedy as an opportunity to vilify and punish the trans and gender-diverse community for the actions of one person, who happened to be trans. It is important that we resist narratives intended to scapegoat marginalized communities, diverting attention to systemic failures and the need for comprehensive mental health and community support.

Tumbler Ridge was not the only tragedy this week. One day after the school shooting, another terrible tragedy took place in Kitigan Zibi, leaving the Algonquin community, particularly the family members of the victims, in deep pain and grief. 

As an organization situated on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin territory, our hearts and thoughts are with the Algonquin nation and all those affected.

As a 2SLGBTQ+ centered organization, we stand firmly with trans and gender-diverse people. Your lives are not a political talking point. You belong everywhere including in schools, communities, and public life. Tragedies demand compassion, not scapegoating. Safety is built through care, connection, and accountability not through fear-driven attacks on already targeted people. 

These tragedies make clear that mental health support matters. Community support matters, especially in the face of ongoing, systemic oppression.

Kind Space highly encourages you to gather with and care for the people you love in any way you can. Remember, there are resources available if you or someone you love is struggling and needs some extra support. 

Resources:

• Trans Lifeline, 877-330-6366, available 1-9pm (Mon. to Fri.)

• LGBT Youthline, text and chat available, 4-9:30pm (Sun. to Fri.)

• National Association of Friendship Centres, mental health resources

• ANCHOR, 211, available 24/7 

• Walk-in & Online Counselling Support, same-day and next day appointments available.

In solidarity and grief,

The Kind Space Team