(Toronto, ON – June 24, 2021) Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare issued the following statement in response to the latest discovery of 751 unmarked graves at former Marieval Indian Residential School located on Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan:

“The recent discovery at Cowessess First Nation is another painful reminder of the historic injustices and abhorrent actions against Indigenous people across Canada,” said Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare. “On behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario, we are deeply saddened by this news. We are sending our prayers and condolences to the families of the 751 children and adults lost, and survivors of the former Marieval Indian Residential School.”

“This is a country that is built on institutionalized racism and genocide of Indigenous people. The tragic legacy and devastating effects of these residential schools are deeply rooted within our communities, just as systemic racism and prejudice against Indigenous people are rooted in Canadian society as a result.

I echo the strong words of Chief Cadmus Delorme of Cowessess First Nation: ‘We must put down our ignorance and accidental racism of not addressing the truth of the relationship this country has with Indigenous people. We are not asking for pity, we are asking for understanding.’

On behalf of the Chiefs in Ontario, we call for an immediate transformative action plan that reflects the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. We must have justice for the countless lives lost across this country. The stories of these children will be told and Canada must be prepared to atone for their role in these atrocities.

I am calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the federal government and the provincial governments to declare a national day of mourning on July 1, in honour of the children whose remains were found on former residential school sites in Saskatchewan, British Columbia and across the country. I ask all Canadians to stand shoulder to shoulder with us on July 1 as a day of reflection as we work to collectively heal ourselves, families and Nations.”

Ontario Regional Chief Glen (Gwiingos) Hare

Quote:

“Though it is not surprising, it does not lessen the grief that we share in the wake of confirming another unmarked burial site at a residential school in Canada. Nothing lessens the pain in knowing there are hundreds of children who have never made it home after being forcibly removed from their families and communities.

It is not enough to say words, to make promises, or to stand in solidarity. We demand action. We demand justice. Acknowledge the history we share as First Nations and Canadians; it does not need to define you, it does not need to define us, but we need to know our history to do better.

We call on Canada to recognize July 1 as a national day of mourning. Now is not the time to celebrate. We must honour the little ones who never made it home and the residential school survivors who are still with us today.”

Ontario First Nations Young People’s Council

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of a residential school experience. Support is available at 1-866-925-4419.

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Genna Benson
Communications Officer
Policy and Communications Sector
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-523-4020
Email: Genna.Benson@coo.org.