(CFJC Today/File photo).

By Aaron Schulze

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

SNTC Council of Chiefs says significant progress must be made on 94 calls to action

Jun 26, 2021 | 11:36 AM

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide 24/7 support to residential school survivors and others who are affected. Call 1 (866) 925-4419.

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SECWEPEMC TERRITORY — The discovery of 751 unmarked graves on the grounds of the former Marieval Indian Residential School on Cowessess First Nation of Saksatchewan has the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council (SNTC) wanting more progress on the 94 calls to action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

A statement from the SNTC Council of Chiefs said while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed to providing funding and resources to bring the horrendous injustices to life, apologies from federal and provincial governments aren’t enough.

“We need to brace ourselves as the children continue to uncover the evidence of cultural genocide and know that this is just the beginning of the findings in Canada; thousands more will be revealed. The voices of our children have been heard and will never be forgotten, marking history in time for all. The generations and widespread, systematic abuse of Indigenous people must stop.”

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The SNTC Council of Chiefs said they’re deeply saddened and offer heartfelt condolences to the survivors, families, and community of the Cowessess First Nation.

They added the continued discoveries will trigger and heighten the existing trauma experienced in residential schools, day schools, 60s scoop, and the child welfare system. They urge survivors, families, communities, and nations to reach out for support. Anyone experiencing pain or distress should access the confidential crisis lines.

SNTC Council of Chiefs asked that all Canadians seek the truth about these injustices forced on Indigenous people.