Residential School Unmarked Graves Continue to be Investigated

Last week, it was announced that Grassy Narrows First Nation will receive funding to research gravesites at the former McIntosh Indian Residential School. Operating from 1925 to 1969, McIntosh Indian Residential School is located 30 kilometres northwest of Vermilion Bay. Grassy Narrows Chief Randy Fobister has stated that he believes there are numerous unmarked gravesites there. This abhorrent, tragic story continues.

To date, the sites of unmarked graves across Canada are confirmed or suspected to hold the remains of more than 1,900 previously unaccounted individuals, mostly children, who died cruelly and unnecessarily because of racism. The grim tally could be as many as 4,100 residential school deaths or higher[i] and additional sites continue to be investigated across the country.

Two years into the pandemic, the world can seem chaotic. Adding to the sense of social discord is a growing skepticism about the information we receive through news and social media. There is a lot happening around us that is competing for our attention, with one large news story replaced by the next.

It is especially important, then, during this time of extraordinary distraction, that we do not lose sight of the harmful legacy of Canada’s residential school system.  It is an undeniable and atrocious truth that unmarked graves continue to be uncovered across the country and province, including northwestern Ontario. This story did not end last spring when hundreds of graves were found. It hasn’t ended with each reporting of newly identified unmarked graves since – graves that are the result of cultural genocide that targeted Indigenous peoples. This is a truth that should demand our attention, even as other information swirls around us.

We cannot be distracted from this reality.

Every child matters.

Our hearts go out to the families and the many survivors of residential schools who continue to be deeply affected by this appalling part of our history.   

For support:

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.

[i] The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015). "Canada's Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials The Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Volume 4" (PDF). Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.