Canada supports Cowessess First Nation's Gravesite Reclamation Project at the site of former Marieval Residential School

Taking care: We recognize that this statement comes at a time that is difficult for many and that our efforts to honour victims 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 support line is available for former residential school students and their families for support, emotional and crisis referral services. You can also find information on how to obtain other health support from the Government of Canada.

Please call the National Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 if you or someone you know is triggered while reading this.

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COWESSESS FIRST NATION, TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF THE CREE AND SAULTEAUX PEOPLE (TREATY 4), SK, Dec. 15, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - The locating of unmarked graves at former residential school sites across Canada is a tragic reminder of the abuse Indigenous children suffered in those institutions. As part of efforts to address historical wrongs and the lasting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual harms related to the legacy of residential schools, the  Government of Canada is working with Survivors, Indigenous leaders, and affected families and communities, including Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan. Together, we will undertake the difficult work of finding and commemorating missing children who were taken from their families to attend residential schools, such as the former Marieval Residential School.

Today, Chief Cadmus Delorme of Cowessess First Nation, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced funding of $703,230 over three years for the community's Gravesite Reclamation Project following the news in June that as many as 751 unmarked graves were located near the former Marieval Residential School. Survivors, intergenerational Survivors, knowledge keepers and leaders will continue the work that has already started on researching, commemorating, locating and identifying the gravesites of missing children at the Marieval site. During the next three years, work will progress on research, archival and statement gathering, additional fieldwork, commemorative markers, electronic mapping of all marked and unmarked graves, and a monument. 

This community-led process will support Cowessess First Nation in undertaking this work in their own way and at their own pace.

Addressing the harms suffered by Survivors, their families and communities is at the heart of reconciliation and is essential to renewing and rebuilding relationships with Indigenous Peoples, their families and communities, governments, and all Canadians. 

Quotes

"Cowessess First Nation moved forward to honour the unmarked graves at the former Roman Catholic Church-run grave site located beside the Marieval Residential School. The end goal is to identify a name for each unmarked grave, and will be a place to honour the ones who went before us and provide a place of healing for ones impacted by the unmarked graves. The Cowessess First Nation's technical and research team continue towards this end goal. This investment on behalf of Canada will assure we get to our end goal."

Cadmus Delorme
Chief Cowessess First Nation

"As we reflect on the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we remember the significance of the day in commemorating the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools. Canadians are beginning to understand and recognize the tragic legacy these schools have left. Our hearts are with Cowessess First Nation as they search for their missing children and continue on their healing journey."

The Honourable Marc Miller,
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

"As Cowesses First Nation undertakes the important work of identifying and honouring those in unmarked graves, the Federal Government will remain steadfast in our support to Chief Delorme and the community. We cannot forget how the horrific legacy of colonialism through Residential Schools continues to this day, and that we must support communities in their efforts by implementing the Truth & Reconciliation Commissions' Calls to Action."

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services

Quick facts

• On August 10, 2021, the Government of Canada announced approximately $320 million in additional support for Indigenous-led, Survivor-centric and culturally informed initiatives and investments to help Indigenous communities respond to and heal from the ongoing impacts of residential schools.
• To date, $116.8 million has been committed to support First Nation, Inuit and Métis Survivors, their families and communities in locating and commemorating missing children who attended residential schools, responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action 72 to 76.
• A National Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support to former residential school students. You can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
• The Hope for Wellness Help Line is also available at 1-855-242-3310 or via the online chat function on their website.

Associated links

Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Funding 
Government of Canada enhances support to Indigenous communities to respond to and heal from the ongoing impacts of residential schools - Canada.ca 
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program 
Missing Children and Burial Information – Calls to Action 72-76

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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

media may contact: Renelle Arsenault, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, [email protected]; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [email protected]; Andrew MacKendrick, Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, [email protected]; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160, [email protected]; Annette M. Ermine, Communications Specialist, Cowessess First Nation #73, 306-696-2520, Cell: 639-205-7041, [email protected]