Premier Savikataaq sends condolences to Cowessess First Nation
Statement
Premier Savikataaq sends condolences to Cowessess First Nation
Arviat, Nunavut (June 24, 2021) - Premier Joe Savikataaq today released the following statement:
“Our hearts and strength are with the Cowessess First Nation and everyone affected by this discovery at the Marieval Indian Residential School.
How many more residential school mass grave discoveries are Indigenous People expected to endure? It was already too much when our children were systemically stolen starting in 1883.
First Nations, Inuit and Métis need the truth. All of it.
We need apologies. From everyone, ever involved, to the thousands of impacted families and communities.
We need justice. Real, absolute justice for stolen children and destroyed families.
We need accountability. Immediate accountability from all those responsible.
We need reconciliation. Actual, valid reconciliation on our terms and based on our needs.
We need reparations. Meaningful, quality reparations.
We need to see change. Change through equity and equitable opportunities for all Indigenous peoples in Canada, now. Every child matters. Then, now, forever.
This is another raw, horrible event for Indigenous People in Canada, on top of existing intergenerational trauma and pain. If you need to reach out, please call the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
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Media Contact:
Cate Macleod
Press Secretary to Premier Savikataaq
867-975-5059
@email