Algoma University commits to finding unmarked residential school graves
Following the discovery of the mass grave at a former residential school in British Columbia, officials at Algoma University and the Shingwauk Residential School Centre in Sault Ste. Marie are working on next steps in its “commitment to action,” which includes a search for unmarked graves around the university itself.
A memorial to the 215 children whose graves were discovered in B.C. continues to grow on the front steps of what was once the Shingwauk Residential School, where Algoma University now sits.
Officials are considering how best to locate unmarked graves of former Shingwauk students. One of the methods being considered is ground-penetrating radar.
However, officials said no work will begin until the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association is consulted.
“They’ve been at this work for more than 40 years,” said Algoma University vice-president Mary Wabano-McKay. “We look to them to help us, to remind us to be careful, to be patient, and to do everything in a good way. And I mean that from a cultural sense and from a spiritual sense."
Krista McCracken, director of the Shingwauk Residential School Centre, said they have been in contact with the centre’s various national partners.
“We have an ongoing partnership with the National Centre For Truth & Reconciliation, as well as (University of British Columbia’s) Indian Residential School History & Dialogue Centre,” said McCracken.
“We also work with survivor groups from across the country. So continuing to have those conversations and continuing to foster those partnerships.”
The president of Algoma University, Asima Vezina, said she has been in contact with Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan about possible federal financial support. She said there will be many discussions in the coming weeks.
“We are on a site that has a number of partners and a number of boards, and all of us are going to have to come together and really think deeply about how to approach this really important work together and in partnership,” said Vezina.
A memorial ceremony is being held Friday afternoon at Algoma University’s Shingwauk Hall for the 215 children whose remains were discovered. Organizers are inviting people to join virtually at 3 p.m. via Zoom or Facebook.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.