Warning: This statement contains details of experiences at residential schools.
(Toronto, Ont.–Jan. 28, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement on the recent potential discovery of 144 unmarked graves at a former residential school near Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation):
“This month, the Wiikwogaming Tiinahtiisiiwin Project Team, also known as the Grassy Narrows Unmarked Grave Project, announced it had discovered 144 potential unmarked graves at the former McIntosh Indian Residential School in northwestern Ontario’s Kenora district. The McIntosh Indian Residential School operated between 1925 and 1969 and children from several First Nations in northwestern Ontario were forced to attend there for nearly 45 years.
These discoveries are never easy and often reignite trauma for Survivors, their families and the community. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to those who are feeling the weight of this discovery and remind everyone who is hurting our Nations remain resilient. Despite this country’s legacy of colonialism, genocide and the systemic attempt to erase our peoples and cultures, we continue to persevere.
In the spirit of true reconciliation, I call on the federal government to immediately provide stable and adequate funding to the Wiikwogaming Tiinahtiisiiwin Project Team so that they can continue this sacred work and bring closure to Survivors and their families. Canada must reckon with its past, and it cannot do so without a full and comprehensive understanding of the pain and suffering First Nations people have endured at the hands of the state.
The Chiefs of Ontario, along with my office, will work to fulfill our mandates as they relate to advocating for adequate, secure and stable funding for First Nations as they search for unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools.”
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support for survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour service at 1-866-925-4419.
Mental health counselling and crisis support are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat.
