Manitoba committing $2.5M to help identify and investigate residential school burial sites
The Manitoba government is committing $2.5 million to help identify, investigate, protect and commemorate residential school burial sites in the province.
Premier Brian Pallister, along with Indigenous and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke, made the announcement in a news release on Monday. It comes after the discovery of a burial site of 215 Indigenous children at a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C., as well as 104 unmarked graves at the former Brandon Residential School.
The premier said these discoveries are “stark reminders of the tragedy and lasting impacts of Canada’s residential school system, and why we must do more to mark this passage in our country’s history.”
“This tragedy is deeply felt in Manitoba and our government is committed to working collaboratively and respectfully with Indigenous leadership, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community members as we seek reconciliation, healing, and meaningful ways to honour the lives lost and support the survivors and their families in our province,” he said.
According to the province, it will be meeting with Indigenous leaders, elders, and knowledge keepers to determine how to use this money.
The province also noted that beyond this funding, it is also considering additional initiatives to support communities through the process of identifying, documenting, protecting, and commemorating the burial ground and unmarked graves.
“Our government is committed to working collaboratively with residential school survivors, families, Indigenous leadership and communities, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and the federal government to support this very important and necessary process of truth-telling and healing that will help us move towards reconciling these historic wrongs,” Clarke said.
“Manitoba wishes to do its share in recognizing, reconciling, and healing. But our process must be and will be led by Indigenous peoples, especially survivors, families, Knowledge Keepers and Elders.”
MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee said in the news release that the last few weeks have been difficult for residential school survivors and their descendants due to the discovery of these unmarked graves.
He said First Nations children in northern Manitoba were often forcibly removed from their homes to go to residential schools, adding that many of them were never able to return to their families.
“Today’s announcement is an important one as it signals that Manitoba is willing to work with First Nations in taking the next steps to identify and locate our missing children,” he said.
“It is essential this process is led by Indigenous people and communities as we work to heal from the ongoing legacy of residential schools.”
Grand Chief Arlen Dumas, of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), said the AMC is glad the province is dedicating resources and agreeing to work with First Nations.
He said the province needs to follow the direction of First Nations to be respectful and successful.
“Our citizens are knowledgeable and can provide the right guidance to complete this work with partner organizations in a respectful and culturally appropriate way,” Dumas said.
“While this amount is an initial start to begin the work, it will certainly take far more of a commitment and a collaborative long-term relationship with our governmental partners at all levels to step up and engage in this work.”
Manitoba notes that First Nation, Metis, and Inuit children would have attended at least one of the 17 residential schools in the province, 14 of which are officially recognized by the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement. There were also 114 day schools across the province.
“On the heels of the devastating news regarding the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, it behooves us all to remain steadfast on surrounding ourselves with government allies who are committed to reconciliation in action with Inuit, First Nations and Métis in Canada,” said Rachel Dutton, executive director of the Manitoba Inuit Association.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.