Taking care: We recognize this news release may contain information that is difficult for many and that our efforts to honour Survivors and families may act as an unwelcome reminder for those who have suffered hardships through generations of government policies that were harmful to Indigenous Peoples.
A National Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support to former Residential School students who can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
Indigenous Peoples can also access the Hope for Wellness Help Line by phone at 1-855-242-3310 or via online chat through the website at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
February 22, 2022 -Battlefords, Saskatchewan - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
The locating of unmarked graves at former Residential School sites across Canada is a tragic reminder of the abuse that many Indigenous children suffered in these institutions. The Government of Canada is working with Survivors, Indigenous leaders and affected families and communities to address historical wrongs and the lasting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual harms related to the legacy of Residential Schools. Part of this work includes efforts being made to locate and commemorate missing children who attended Residential Schools, as well as responding to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 72 to 76.
The Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs' (BATC) have launched an initiative to locate unmarked burials with a goal of properly honouring the memory of the missing students who attended the Delmas Catholic Residential School and the Battleford Industrial School. The BATC will work with the Elders' Council for cultural support and guidance in all aspects of this project. This community-led process will ensure the BATC and the Nations it represents can undertake this work in their own way and at their own pace.
Today, Tribal Chair - Chief Cheryl Kahpeaysewat, Moosomin First Nation, representing the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs', and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced funding of $2,783,554 over three years to support the work to research, document and honour the memory of those who attended these two schools.
Addressing the harms suffered by Survivors, their families and communities is at the heart of reconciliation and is essential to renewing and building relationships with Indigenous Peoples, governments, and all Canadians.
