Message from the President – June 25, 2021

We have unfortunately learned some very difficult news once again about the lasting and troubling impact of the residential school system. It was announced by Cowessess Fist Nation yesterday that as many as 751 unmarked graves were found near the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan, about 140 kilometres east of Regina.

With the graves expected to be mainly Indigenous children, much like Kamloops, this tragedy reminds everyone about the violence perpetrated against Indigenous children who were taken away from their families in the name of “education.” This sad and painful reality has devastated our students, employees and communities. As College President, I am sorry about this atrocity and offer my heartfelt condolences to Indigenous peoples.

Our release of the Confederation College Decolonization Report earlier this week is one of the ways in which we are actively working to support decolonization and reconciliation at our College and in our communities. The work that is now carried as outlined in our new 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, Kaa-anokaatekin, is to ensure that we make Indigenous education our collective priority. We have been working with the Negahneewin Council over the years to improve our capacity as a regional College. We must do what ever it takes to make things right as educators in creating a safe and equitable learning community for Indigenous peoples.

We know that the 94 Calls to Action, outlined in the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015), requires that we address historic injustices and systemic racism against Indigenous peoples. Please join me in reflecting on this dark chapter in Canadian history as we commit to building renewed and respectful relationships with Indigenous partners.

I would like to remind our College community about the supports available to you as you grieve and reflect.

• Students – Counselling services are available for students by calling (807) 475-6618 or booking an appointment online at www.confederationcollege.ca/appointments. Get more information about our student counselling services.
• Employees – Support for employees can be accessed with our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Employees can also access EFAP supports at any time by calling 1-800-387-4766 or visiting the Morneau Shepell website: www.workhealthlife.com. Get more information about how to access our EFAP.
• All – Support can be accessed through the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line by calling 1-866-925-4419.

Take great care,

Kathleen Lynch
President