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 Survivors 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.
May 4, 2022 - Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
The locating of unmarked graves at former Indian residential school sites across Canada is a tragic reminder of the abuse Indigenous children suffered in these institutions. The Government of Canada is working with Survivors, Indigenous leaders and affected families and communities as part of efforts 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.
Sagkeeng First Nation has undertaken work related to Fort Alexander (Pine Falls) Residential School and the search for possible burial sites located on the land. The community-led initiative has involved knowledge gathering from Elders. Field investigation work on areas related to the school site location have been on-going since July, 2021. This work has brought together representatives from more than 30 communities that have been impacted by the residential school for ceremonial purposes.
Today, Chief Derrick Henderson of Sagkeeng First Nation, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced funding of $610,093 from the Residential Schools Missing Children - Community Support Funding program, in support of the Sagkeeng First Nation's Fort Alexander Residential School Site Ground Penetrating Radar initiative. This funding will further assist with archival research, mental health and wellness supports, and efforts toward memorialization and commemoration of missing children who attended the residential school.
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.
