'Disappointing': Residential school in Lebret, Sask. vandalized
Three days before the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada the former residential school in Lebret, Sask. was vandalized.
Jordan Starr was walking the grounds as security patrol when he saw the vulgar and racist graffiti spray-painted onto the building’s walls and doors.
“The morning we came in it was pretty disappointing to come across because we have our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coming up this Thursday and for that to happen during a time like that is just disappointing,” said Starr.
Starr said this vandalism is insulting, disheartening and truly speaks to the experiences of Indigenous people throughout history.
“[I feel] heartbroken, especially for survivors from residential schools because this is where they went to school and they are trying to heal and grieve from things that stem from this kind of mindset,” said Starr.
The residential school in Lebret operated until the mid-’90s, and to many survivors, it encompasses memories of great sadness and pain.
Michael Starr, Chief of Star Blanket Cree Nation, said this is not the first time the property has been hit by vandals.
Since May they have increased security patrol and will be making changes to the work hours to prevent this from happening again.
“We have our security up until 2 a.m. and so now after that [incident] we are going to change that up,” said Chief Starr.
While Chief Starr is grateful no one was injured, he said education is key to resolving ignorance and hate.
“We need a little bit more of that [education] inside our school systems and our homes just to keep reminding our young people that this is where we need to live with one another and help one another live in peaceful coexistence.”
The community is disheartened by this incident, but Chief Starr said Indigenous people are resilient and will come together for Reconciliation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.