Statement on the discovery of unmarked graves in Cowessess First Nation

Trigger warning: the following statement contains references to recent disturbing news and the ongoing legacy of residential schools.

The Faculty of Arts and Science stands in solidarity with the statement made by Principal Patrick Deane, Provost Rahswahérha Mark Green, and Kanonhsyonne Janice C. Hill, Associate Vice-Principal (Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation) regarding the hundreds of unmarked graves near the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan.

The statement reads, in part, “we honour the children who never came home and our hearts go out to their families, all survivors of the residential school systems and Indigenous communities everywhere.

This painful discovery comes at a time when we are having vital and difficult conversations across the country and within our communities here at Queen’s. As a centre for learning, we must hold space for the Indigenous community at Queen’s at the same time as ensuring that we engage in serious self-reflection on the ongoing impacts of Canada’s colonial history.”

Those seeking support may wish to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation or Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre. For immediate assistance, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Hotline can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.