The federal government provides funding for education and awareness of the legacy of residential schools in the Saskatoon area.
Over the next year, nearly $370,000 will be donated to the Saskatoon Tribal Council to support such activities.
Ottawa made the announcement Thursday morning.
“Education is the key to understanding the truth and devastating legacy of residential schools,” Canada’s Indigenous Relations Minister Mark Miller said in a press release. “I encourage all Canadians to learn and participate in awareness events such as those organized by the Saskatoon Tribal Council and other Indigenous organizations across the country; it is an important step towards building a reconciled country.
The STC says part of the funding will go towards a possible memorial garden in the city.
Additionally, the funding will be used to support other activities including the Orange Banner Project, which is a collection of banners around the city exploring themes of reconciliation.
“Telling the truth about reconciliation is the first step, and that truth comes with education and action,” said STC leader Mark Arcand. “We must have the truth before reconciliation. Honoring our survivors through this project and having the federal government support a great initiative in the city of Saskatoon shows a commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous people who have been impacted by residential schools.
(PHOTO: Tribal leader Mark Arcand outside the STC Wellness Center in December 2021)
A National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line provides emotional support and crisis referral services to residential school Survivors and their families. Call the toll-free crisis line at 1-866-925-4419. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
