We are saddened by the heartbreaking news regarding another former residential school. The tragic discovery of 751 unmarked graves at the former Marieval Indian Residential School site in Cowessess, Saskatchewan, is devastating. To the Cowessess and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous First Nations (FSIN) and Indigenous communities across Canada, we offer you our sincere sympathies as we mourn this unfathomable loss of life.
The Ottawa Catholic School Board community feels the impact of this horrific discovery – many of whom are Algonquin, First Nations, Métis and Inuit. We understand this tragedy can be triggering. There are mental health resources available to help support ongoing healing.
Here are a few:
- Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society 1-800-721-0066
- IRS National Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419
- Distress Centre of Ottawa 613-238-3311
- YSB Crisis Line 613-260-2360
As a board, we recognize the impact of The Indian Residential School System and the Indian Day Schools that followed. We realize these are not ancient histories but rather closely connected to the current lived experiences of Indigenous staff and students. Our Board is committed to the Calls to Action recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.