As the country marks a tragic anniversary, Indigenous peoples continue to fight for justice

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the following statement:

“One year ago, the country mourned as the bodies of 215 children were found in a mass grave at a former residential institution in Kamloops, British Columbia. Since that terrible discovery, the bodies of hundreds of other children have been uncovered at similar sites and we know that more are waiting to be found.

It is absolutely crucial that this legacy is never normalized. We cannot choose to look away. We have to teach every child about our country’s history of genocide and about the incredible strength of Indigenous peoples who have survived and endured.

To the elders, survivors, family members and communities who are reliving loss and trauma – we wish you the peace and healing you deserve.

On this anniversary, the Canadian government’s focus must be to ensure Indigenous communities are getting the supports they deserve and on reinforcing the need to have Canada reconcile with Inuit, First Nations and Métis. There must be meaningful action to assist communities who want to bring their children home.

In order to address the genocidal history of our country, the actions and policies that perpetuate violence and abuse toward Indigenous peoples must stop.”