NOTE: The residential school system is a topic that may cause trauma invoked by memories of past abuse. The Government of Canada recognizes the need for safety measures to minimize the risk associated with triggering. A National Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students. You can access information on the website or access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.
This commemoration is an important part of the Government of Canada's response to Call to Action 79 in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report.
Today, Muskowekwan First Nation, along with Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada commemorated the national historic significance of the Former Muscowequan Indian Residential School with a special ceremony to unveil two plaques close to Lestock, Saskatchewan.
The Former Muscowequan Indian Residential School was part of a system of residential schools imposed on Indigenous children by the federal government in the 19th and 20th centuries. Born of colonial policies in Canadian history, this system removed Indigenous children from their families and communities, not only denying them their traditions, languages and cultures, but also exposing children to grievous harm and even death. The residential school system has adversely affected generations of Indigenous Peoples. The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and renewed relationships with Indigenous Peoples, based on a recognition of rights, respect, and collaboration.
Located on Muskowekwan First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory, the former Muscowequan Indian Residential School is the last standing former residential school building in Saskatchewan. Built in 1930-31, it replaced earlier residential school buildings dating back to the late 1800s. After the school closed in 1997, the main building was saved from demolition by Survivors and community members and is being preserved as a place of commemoration, healing, and cultural learning. At least 35 unmarked graves have been found on the site since the 1990s, underscoring its importance as a site of memory for all Canadians.
For over a century, First Nations and Métis children from Treaty No. 4 Territory and elsewhere in Canada were forced to attend the school. Operating until 1997, it was among the last residential schools to close in the country. The site was nominated for designation by Muskowekwan First Nation, which collaborated with Parks Canada to honour the experiences of Survivors and identify the site's historic significance.
The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is essentially driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,270 designations have been made nationwide.
