Standing With the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan
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June 25th 2021
Justice For All Canada mourns the discovery of 751 unmarked graves at the former Marieval Residential School in Saskatchewan. This shocking discovery coincides with recent findings of a mass unmarked grave of 215 Indigenous children at the former Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia.
In Saskatchewan alone, the remains of approximately 35 unmarked graves were identified at the former Regina Indian Industrial School, including 35 unidentified students at the Muscowequan and Touchwood near Lestock. Last week, 104 potential graves were discovered that are currently being identified at the former Brandon Residential School site in Manitoba.
“Indigenous communities across North America are now forced to relive the pain and trauma caused by Canadian Residential Schools. We join proponents of reconciliation in arguing that these discoveries don’t reveal the full extent of the harms, abuses and genocide of the Indigenous people. We call for a full apology from the Catholic church. Anything less is unacceptable,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada. “This is a sombre time for our country. We grieve and stand in solidarity with former residential school students,” expressed Ghayyur.
During National Indigenous Peoples Day last week, Justice For All Canada stood in solidarity with the Indigenous community at the “Remembering Our Children” Vigil and Ceremony with Elder Mayawaasige. Through a public speech, Executive Director Taha Ghayyur helped honour and commemorate the beloved children of the former Kamloops Residential School.
An estimated 6,000 Indigenous children died while attending these schools, primarily due to health conditions inside. Physical and sexual abuse at the hands of school authorities led others to run away.
Canadians are urged to advocate for the reform of our government and institutions, which both continue to perpetuate the genocide and marginalization of Indigenous peoples.
June, being National Indigenous History Month, is an important time to educate ourselves about the unmarked graves, covered up deaths, mass burial grounds of babies and children who never came home.
Attend The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF), June-long programs demonstrating Inuit, First Nations and Métis contributions to Canada.
Learn More About National Indigenous History Month—Podcasts, e-books, visuals & activities
Justice For All Canada mourns the discovery of 751 unmarked graves at the former Marieval Residential School in Saskatchewan. This shocking discovery coincides with recent findings of a mass unmarked grave of 215 Indigenous children at the former Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia.
In Saskatchewan alone, the remains of approximately 35 unmarked graves were identified at the former Regina Indian Industrial School, including 35 unidentified students at the Muscowequan and Touchwood near Lestock. Last week, 104 potential graves were discovered that are currently being identified at the former Brandon Residential School site in Manitoba.
“Indigenous communities across North America are now forced to relive the pain and trauma caused by Canadian Residential Schools. We join proponents of reconciliation in arguing that these discoveries don’t reveal the full extent of the harms, abuses and genocide of the Indigenous people. We call for a full apology from the Catholic church. Anything less is unacceptable,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada. “This is a sombre time for our country. We grieve and stand in solidarity with former residential school students,” expressed Ghayyur.
During National Indigenous Peoples Day last week, Justice For All Canada stood in solidarity with the Indigenous community at the “Remembering Our Children” Vigil and Ceremony with Elder Mayawaasige. Through a public speech, Executive Director Taha Ghayyur helped honour and commemorate the beloved children of the former Kamloops Residential School.
An estimated 6,000 Indigenous children died while attending these schools, primarily due to health conditions inside. Physical and sexual abuse at the hands of school authorities led others to run away.
Canadians are urged to advocate for the reform of our government and institutions, which both continue to perpetuate the genocide and marginalization of Indigenous peoples.
- Send Letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Call on Canada’s Prime Minister to reckon with the legacy of the residential school system by taking urgent action to support Indigenous nations.
Add Your Name - From Amnesty Canada—Support Justice and Accountability for Indigenous Peoples
After remains of Indigenous children found buried across the country, Canada must commit to justice.
Add Your Name - Express Your Support with the Cowessess First Nation
After the Cowessess First Nation announced news of the 751 unmarked graves, please consider sharing words of support and solidarity with this Saskatchewan community.
Email them here. - Learn more about Indigenous History & Culture
June, being National Indigenous History Month, is an important time to educate ourselves about the unmarked graves, covered up deaths, mass burial grounds of babies and children who never came home.
Attend The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF), June-long programs demonstrating Inuit, First Nations and Métis contributions to Canada.
Learn More About National Indigenous History Month—Podcasts, e-books, visuals & activities