STATEMENT ON THE DISCOVERY OF UNMARKED GRAVES AT RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SITE AT COWESSESS FIRST NATION

STATEMENT BY NDP LEADER RYAN MEILI AND BETTY NIPPI-ALBRIGHT, CRITIC FOR FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS RELATIONS & TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION, ON THE DISCOVERY OF UNMARKED GRAVES AT RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SITE AT COWESSESS FIRST NATION

REGINA - Like so many people in Saskatchewan and across the country we heard the news of the horrific discovery of unmarked graves at Cowessess First Nation with sadness and anger. Unfortunately we cannot say that this discovery is a surprise but it remains deeply, deeply shocking.

This will not be the only grim discovery in this province and as we grapple with the truth of these deaths. We cannot let ourselves become desensitized.

We cannot look away. We have to face these horrors head on and take real, meaningful and swift action on Truth and Reconciliation. Thoughts and prayers are simply not enough.

We must, as a province and as a country, do everything we can to support residential school survivors and the Indigenous communities that continue to experience generational trauma from the legacy of the residential school system. As a start we have to have immediate mental health supports put in place for communities both on and off reserve.

This is a time to grieve for the hundreds of lost souls, to reflect on the wrongs perpetrated against Indigenous peoples - both in the past and continuing today - and to actively listen to those communities about what actions need to be taken to begin the long process of healing.

There is no reconciliation without truth and we cannot begin to repair the damage that has been done or the systemic racism that continues to persist today without acknowledging this dark and real part of our history.

-30-

The Indian Residential School Survivors Society has a toll free line 1 (800) 721-0066 and a 24 hour Crisis Line 1 (866) 925-4419 if you require further emotional support or assistance.

There will also be a Saskatchewan number starting this afternoon - 306-522-7494

Latest posts

BECK’S TEAM SLAMS MOE’S POWER PLAN IN PRINCE ALBERT, PITCHES CHEAPER, HOMEGROWN ALTERNATIVE

Grid And Growth Plan Receiving Positive Feedback All Over Saskatchewan
PRINCE ALBERT — Carla Beck’s team brought her Grid and Growth Plan to Prince Albert today, where people are tired of paying more and getting less from the Sask. Party government's power plan.

CARLA BECK’S TEAM CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY, HIGHLIGHTS CONCERNS WITH LACK OF INFORMATION ON REGINA-AREA AI DATA CENTRE

Open House Planned For Next Week, People With Questions Or Concerns Urged To Contact [email protected]
REGINA — Carla Beck’s team is laying out a series of steps it’s taking in response to public concerns, questions and calls for transparency related to the new data centre planned for the RM of Sherwood, just outside of Regina.

BILL PUT FORWARD BY BECK’S TEAM REQUIRING REAL-TIME EMERGENCY ROOM CLOSURE REPORTING PASSES KEY HURDLE

Bill 606 Can Become Law As Early As Next Week
REGINA — Critical legislation put forward by Carla Beck’s team to require real-time reporting of emergency room closures has passed a key hurdle, receiving support from both sides of the aisle on Thursday.

NEW REPORT SHOWS SASK. HAS HIGHEST HOSPITALIZATION RATES FOR VACCINE-PREVENTABLE RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES

CIHI Says Hospitalizations Last Year More Than Double Pre-Pandemic Levels

REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is putting the Sask. Party on blast after a report from the Canadian Institute of Health Information revealed that Saskatchewan had highest rate of hospitalizations among the provinces for vaccine-preventable respiratory illnesses, more than double pre-pandemic levels.