The discovery of 751 unmarked graves at the Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan lays bare yet again a very dark chapter in Canada’s history.  The hurtful legacy of Residential Schools in Canada is a burden that has been shouldered by survivors and Indigenous communities alone for too long.  As Canadians, we must all recognize and understand the terrible injustices and past grievances that have impacted First Nations communities across the country.

At St. Clair Catholic, we have worked alongside and in partnership with local First Nations communities, through our Indigenous education program, to help bring the stories and the lasting impacts of Residential Schools to light, as we invite survivors, Knowledge Keepers and Elders to share their stories with our students and staff.  We can do more.  We will do more.  As educators, we continue our pledge to honour and live the spirit of reconciliation through our classrooms.

As these shocking revelations continue to come to light, we know that students, families and staff are impacted.  Mental Health supports are available through St. Clair Catholic’s Student Support and Wellbeing Team. In addition, a National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been established to provide support for former residential school students and others. Emotional and crisis referral services can be accessed at the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.

As Canadians, each of us has an important role in bringing the truth to light.  We must commit to informing ourselves; and understanding and reflecting on past wrongs and the painful facts, as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation report. 

Only by knowing our past can we move forward into the light of a new day.  There is still much work to be done.  We pray for ongoing reconciliation and healing, as we work together in solidarity.

Deb Crawford
Director of Education