Just weeks after the discovery of a mass grave containing the remains of 215 Indigenous children in British Columbia, the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan announced another horrifying discovery. The First Nation found 751 unmarked graves near the former Marieval Indian Residential School.
"This discovery is another shameful example of the legacy of residential schools in Canada and of the systemic racism and violence Indigenous people have faced, and continue to face," says George Brown College President Anne Sado. “We offer our condolences and support to our Indigenous students and employees.”
In memory of the recently discovered children, we will fly the flag at St. James Campus at half-mast on Canada Day.
George Brown College is committed to taking meaningful action towards reconciliation, delivering on CICan's Indigenous Education Protocol and supporting all Indigenous students and employees.
We recognize that this is a deeply distressing time, particularly for those who have endured residential schools and for generations of their families and communities. We want to remind all students and employees that support is available to you. Indigenous students can connect with Indigenous Student Advising and Counselling. Employees can connect with our Employee and Family Assistance Program, LifeWorks (formerly Morneau Shepell). There is also counselling support available through the Indian Residential School Survivors Society at 1-800-721-0066 or via their 24/7 Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
Our campuses are located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit Frist Nation and the land of other Indigenous Peoples that lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work, and live in the community with each other.
