Indigenous People

The discovery of the unmarked graves at former Canadian residential schools is a stark reminder of the most vulnerable and enslaved in our nations. We listen through the winds of time to the cries of hidden children, women, and men. Our breath is labored as we begin to understand the harms inflicted on the innocent. The discovery of these remains is heart-breaking and shameful. As human beings and as members of a religious congregation that served at two of these schools, we weep.

Twenty-one Catholic congregations of men and women religious across Canada have signed a letter to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) calling on them to demonstrate “clear and courageous leadership” in developing a National Catholic Reconciliation Plan.

Since May 2021, penetrating radar searches conducted by Aboriginal communities have reported the discovery of numerous unmarked graves at former residential school sites in Canada. At the time of writing, the number of graves found has reached 1148 at three of the 139 residential school sites: Kamloops (215), Marieval (751) and Cranbrook (182). It is very likely that more shocking discoveries will be made during this research process. In this context, the CRC wishes to share several points.

The Sisters of Saint Ann have a long history of commitment to the education of children everywhere, for their personal and spiritual development, their career opportunities, and their citizenship outreach. Years ago, with profound sorrow and regret, we came to realize that some of the teaching positions accepted by the Sisters of Saint Ann in British Columbia were part of a system that was destructive for the very children the Sisters intended to serve.

We, the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Hyacinthe, wish to express our deep sorrow and regret following the discovery of more than 750 unmarked graves on the Marieval Residential School site in Saskatchewan. […] Without knowing it or wanting to, they participated in the movement of colonialism that was established at that time and thus contributed to the loss of identity that the First Nations rightly denounce.

We are two Catholic religious communities of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (commonly known as the Oblates) and were involved in operating many of the residential schools throughout Canada. […] We want to reiterate our commitment and intent to disclose all historical documents maintained by us and in our possession, in accordance with all legislation, about our involvement.

Today, the Royal BC Museum and the Sisters of St. Ann (SSA) announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding that will provide enhanced access of the SSA’s private archival records to the Royal BC Museum and to the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) at UBC.

A by-product of colonization, the Indian Residential School (IRS) system caused much suffering to the Aboriginal population of Canada. On behaif of the Missionary Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart and of Mary Immaculate, I sincerely apologize for our implication in these schools. To all families who were separated: parents from children, children from parents and from their brothers and sisters and from their community, we are deeply sorry.

Here are some statements and information from Canadian religious congregations following the macabre discovery in Kamloops. We invite religious congregations to share their statements with us so we can list them on this webpage.