The discovery of 751 unmarked graves at the Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan, which was operational until 1997, is devastating. It is continued evidence of the genocide of Indigenous peoples in Canada. We stand in solidarity with the Cowessess First Nation Community.
There will be more tragic discoveries as other sites are searched; this will not be the last mass burial site found on this land.
We encourage you to learn and read more, to donate to Indigenous-led organizations, and to support the self-determination of Indigenous people in communities across Canada.
If you need support, there is a 24/7 Emergency Crisis Line available through the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) at 1800-721-0066 and the National Residential School Crisis line 1-866-925-4419.
If you are looking to learn or read more, here is a selection of websites, resources, and other programming:
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba https://nctr.ca/
A Special Report published by the Yellowhead Institute: Calls to Action Accountability: A 2020 Status Update on Reconciliation
Learn about the land where you live and its territories, languages, and treaties: https://native-land.ca/
Learn more about Indigenous-settler relations by taking a FREE course through the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta
You can make a donation to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society here: https://www.irsss.ca/donate
Resources For non-Indigenous People: http://www.trc.ca/resources.html….
Assembly of First Nations – Its Our Time – Residential Schools Toolkit: https://education.afn.ca/…/learnin…/residential-schools/
Aboriginal Healing Foundation – Residential School Resources Directory: http://www.ahf.ca/publications/residential-school-resources
An Overview of the Indian Residential School System booklet: http://www.anishinabek.ca/…/An-Overview-of-the-IRS…
If you’re a settler, here are some places where you can make a donation to support residential school survivors and their families:
Indian Residential School Survivors Society
Woodland Cultural Centre’s Save the Evidence campaign
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
First Nations Child & Family Caring Society
Native Women’s Association of Canada
Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
Follow these regionally based organizations on your social media:
Bawaajigwein Aboriginal Community Circle @Bawaajigewin on Facebook
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation @MSIFN on Twitter
If you’re a settler, start following @OnCanadaProject to continue your learning
