Prime minister, Sask. premier respond to discovery of unmarked graves at Cowessess First Nation
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is “terribly saddened” to learn about the discovery of 751 unmarked graves near a former residential school site in Saskatchewan and the hurt and trauma Indigenous people are feeling is “Canada’s responsibility to bear.”
In a statement, the prime minister said the findings at the Marieval Residential School grounds on Cowessess First Nation are “part of a larger tragedy” and a “shameful reminder of the systemic racism, discrimination, and injustice that Indigenous peoples have faced – and continue to face – in this country.”
Trudeau said the federal government will continue to provide funding to communities to “bring these terrible wrongs to light.”
In a statement Wednesday night, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said “all of Saskatchewan mourns for those who were discovered buried in unmarked graves near the former Marieval Indian Residential School site.”
Moe said he has spoken with FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron and Cowessess Chief Cadmus Delorme to offer the “full support of the provincial government.”
OPPOSITION REACTION
The Saskatchewan NDP expect more discoveries will be made and caution against becoming desensitized to the situation.
“I wish I could say that we were surprised. But this will not be the only grim discovery in this province as we grapple with the truth of these deaths,” said NDP leader Ryan Meili.
Meili said he has reached out to the premier to see how the two parties can work together in helping First Nations heal.
He added there are Calls to Action that directly apply to the province that haven’t been acted on yet, and called for “real, meaningful and swift action on truth and reconciliation.”
Meili said he is writing to the Pope to seek the release of residential school records.
The NDP also said mental health supports are needed for people both on and off reserve.
Betty Nippi-Albright, the NDP critic for First Nations and Métis Relations and Truth and Reconciliation and a residential school survivor, said the discoveries have been triggering for her and many others.
“This opens wounds for all of us as residential school survivors,” said Nippi-Albright.
“We need to have resources available for people to talk about it.”
‘COLLECTIVE GRIEVING’
Regina Mayor Sandra Masters said she spoke with Chief Delorme and offered the community of Cowessess the City of Regina’s full support, in a video message posted to Instagram.
“We stand by the survivors of residential schools and their descendants on their healing journey and as they undertake the important work of honouring their loved ones,” Masters said.
She asked Regina residents to care for one another in the “collective grieving” for the lives lost and treatment of Indigenous people.
“Those unmarked graves are part of the truth that we are asked to witness and learn about. We must listen to Indigenous leaders, elders and knowledge keepers and follow their guidance as we face the truth and take action towards reconciliation,” Masters said.
Masters added that residents can start to take action by learning more about the history of Indigenous people in Canada.
Former Wascana-Regina MP Ralph Goodale, who is now the High Commissioner for Canada in the U.K., tweeted in support of Chief Delormre, saying “all Canadians must stand with him and his people, to share the grief and advance reconciliation.”
--
If you are a residential school survivor in distress, or have been affected by the residential school system and need help, you can contact the 24-hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
Additional mental-health support and resources for Indigenous people are available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.