Mohawk Institute – Survivors, Indigenous leaders and govt of Canada continue work
SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER. The locating of unmarked burials at former residential school sites across Canada is a tragic reminder of the abuse that many Indigenous children suffered in these institutions. The Government of Canada is working with Survivors, Indigenous leaders and affected families and communities to address historical wrongs and the lasting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual harms related to the legacy of residential schools. Part of this work includes efforts being made to locate and commemorate missing children who attended residential schools, as well as responding to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 72 to 76.
The Survivors’ Secretariat at Six Nations of the Grand River is undertaking work related to unmarked burials associated with the former Mohawk Institute Residential School. Today, Kimberly R. Murray, Executive Lead for the Survivors’ Secretariat and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced funding of $10,259,975 over three years through the Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Funding program to assist with this important work.
“Six Nations of the Grand River, those who attended the institution and their families deserve to find out the truth, and we remain committed to supporting those efforts as they work toward healing and closure,” said Mr. Marc Miller.
The Survivors’ Secretariat will coordinate with Survivors and engage with communities to locate, document, map, maintain and commemorate burials associated with the Mohawk Institute. This Survivor-led process will ensure that this sacred work is done in a way that supports the wishes of Survivors.
Sherlene Bomberry, Board of Directors, Survivors’ Secretariat, Six Nations of the Grand River stated, “Six Nations of the Grand River, those who attended the institution and their families deserve to find out the truth, and we remain committed to supporting those efforts as they work toward healing and closure.”
Addressing the harms suffered by Survivors, their families and communities is at the heart of reconciliation and is essential to renewing and rebuilding relationships with Indigenous Peoples, governments, and all Canadians.
Doug George, Kanentiio, a former Mohawk Institute Residential School survivor stated, “Among the Akwesasronon survivors the phrase “nothing for us without us” is one of our principles. Our Ohsweken survivors are leading all of North America in overseeing any and all actions involving residential schools including the criminal investigation regarding the missing children. We are honored that they have accepted our request to help bring our kin home.”
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