Indigenous leaders demand action at residential school memorial in the Sault
There was a call for action Friday from First Nations leaders and residential school survivors gathered at the memorial in front of Shingwauk Hall at Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie.
A ceremony was held for the 215 children whose remains were discovered at a residential school site in B.C. A number of people spoke at the shoe memorial, some expressing anger.
“There’s a reckoning coming about for the churches that condoned much of this activity,” said Shirley Horn, a residential school survivor and first chancellor of Algoma University. “These people are criminals.”
Batchewana First Nation Chief Dean Sayers said he wants the world to know about Canada’s residential school history.
'Im glad the world is watching'
“I pray for an easy time for our people that are affected by those 215, which I think is just the tip of the iceberg with what’s going to be found,” said Sayers. “I’m glad the world is watching. And I’m asking the world to take note.”
Garden River First Nation Chief Andy Rickard used some of his time at the podium to say the cost of uncovering unmarked graves at former residential school sites should not fall to First Nations communities.
“We didn’t take our kids away -- the government, the church, the RCMP and others had a hand in this,” said Rickard. “Take it out of your budgets to properly take our kids home.”
Angela Trudeau-Day, president of the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association, said the legacy of the residential school system can still be seen today.
“Can you imagine your child being ripped from you? And then abused. That currently happens in the child welfare system in some homes today,” she said.
In her remarks, Algoma University President Asima Vezina called on non-Indigenous leaders to listen to First Nations people as Canada moves forward in addressing the legacy of the residential school system.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.