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 Indian 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 3, 2022 - Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek, Grassy Narrows First Nation, Ontario - 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 those 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.
Together with the Government of Canada, Grassy Narrows First Nation is conducting research, collecting data and addressing the locations of potential burial sites. The First Nation will with communicate and respond to the wishes of families from Grassy Narrows First Nation and other First Nations who that had children that attended the school in order to commemorate and memorialize their losses and the children's final resting place.
