York Region mourns the discovery of remains at the former Lebret (Qu’Appelle) residential school
On behalf of York Regional Council, The Regional Municipality of York and our more than 1.2 million residents, I offer deepest condolences to the people of Star Blanket Cree Nation following the discovery of child remains and potential unmarked graves on the grounds of the former Lebret (Qu’Appelle) residential school in the province of Saskatchewan.
This sad discovery is another shameful reminder of the systemic racism, discrimination and injustice Indigenous Peoples have faced, and continue to face, in our country. York Region, along with many across the nation, mourn with the Indigenous community, the families and all survivors of the residential school system and we offer our support in your healing journey.
Regional Council remains committed to standing alongside the Indigenous community and government partners in seeking the truth about these unmarked graves. We are committed to our work with all levels of government to move forward with the 95 recommendations set out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
It is our collective responsibility to learn more about the dark history of Canada’s residential school system and the detrimental effects it continues to have on all Indigenous Peoples. By learning from the past, we can build a better future and move forward on the path to healing and reconciliation.
York Region is a welcoming and inclusive community. Alongside the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, on whose traditional territory we reside, York Region continues to learn more, do more and be allies for change.
First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples are the stewards of Turtle Island (North America) and we thank them for sharing the Canadian land with us.
In honour of all victims of the residential school system, flags at York Region facilities have been lowered to half-mast.
If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to the National Residential School Crisis Line, available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.
Wayne Emmerson
York Region Chairman and CEO
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Media Contact:
Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 71234
[email protected]
