Prime Minister Justin Trinto announced Wednesday that the federal government will provide $ 2.9 million in funding as Williams Lake First Nation continues to investigate recent findings of possible burial sites on the site of a former residential school. Speaking during a visit to the nation’s territory on Wednesday, Trinto said the funding would provide support to First Nations communities in BC. whose children were removed from their families and sent to the St. Housing Mission School. Joseph. “Canada is committed to continuing funding for the Williams Lake First Nation in its ongoing search for truth, healing and closure,” said Trudeau, alongside Chief Willie Sellars and Secretary of State Indigenous Relations Marc Miller. “[The funding will go toward] supporting the survivors, supporting a community that is being re-injured – like so many across the country – from the horrific findings of 93 reflections, knowing that there is still so much out there that needs to be found, remembered, honored … and we will be continuous partners in this difficult time as long as necessary “. Hazel Gilbert, a school survivor, speaks to Prime Minister Justin Trindade during a visit to the First Nation of Lake Williams on Wednesday. (Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press)
In January, Williams Lake First Nation announced that 93 sites of “potential human burials” had been located near the former St. Louis residential school. Joseph’s Mission. Only 14 of the 470 hectares of land had been surveyed at that time. Trinto and Miller visit the First Nation on Wednesday. Led by Sellars, they arrived at the nation’s administration building for an official welcoming ceremony shortly after 10:30 p.m. PT. “I’m excited to be here. I’m here to say that all of Canada mourns this community for the feelings of loss that followed the discovery of the reflections, but also for the deep loss that this community has felt for generations because of the legacy of the home. schools, “Trinto said. “I am here mainly to listen, to learn, to hear from the elders and the members of the community [on] what the way forward looks like – not just for this community, but for this country. “ Trinto said the funding announced Wednesday would be followed by “more phases and more funding”. CLOCKS “All of Canada mourns this community,” Trinto said on arrival.

Trudeau visits Williams Lake First Nation in British Columbia

Prime Minister Justin Trinto talks during a visit to Williams Lake First Nation in British Columbia about recent community finds on the site of a former residential school. 1:58
“We are grateful that the Prime Minister is taking the time to visit the Williams Lake First Nation,” said Chief Willie Sellars in a statement prior to the visit. “This journey has been going on for a long time and we have a lot to discuss about the research of the St. Joseph’s mission, the role of the Government of Canada in home school research, and Canada’s commitment to the goals of reconciliation.” The leader of the Williams Lake First Nation, Willie Sellars, pictured in August 2021 at a community gathering marking the start of research at the site of St. Joseph’s Mission says there is “much to discuss” about the role of government in residential school research. (Laureen Carruthers)

Tŝilhqot’in Nation rejects the invitation

Although members were invited to attend the prime minister’s visit today, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation said it would not send representatives. Tl’etinqox chief Joe Alphonse said he had repeatedly called for a more comprehensive and respectful approach to site research. “There is a need to do some work in the area, but only one community can handle it,” he said. “It is a sacred land as far as we are concerned, because of the number of bodies there.” A photo without a date of a catholic priest with native children inside the former residential school of St. Joseph’s Mission, which closed four decades ago. (National Center for Truth and Reconciliation)
He said so far, he and his nation have not been involved in site searches other than being invited to “occasional” briefings. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation proposed a committee consisting of representatives from all communities whose people attended the St. Joseph Mission to conduct research in a way that respects the values ​​of each individual nation. “This is about doing our duty to protect our ancestors, the way we do things. We honor and respect other nations and their protocols, and we only ask that we take into account and protect ourselves as well,” he said. Alphonse. Ground penetration radar equipment was developed Aug. 30 at Williams Lake First Nation as the team began searching for potentially insignificant home school student graves. (Submitted by Whitney Spearing)
Sellers told the CBC that the second phase of the investigation would begin “soon” and would include excavations and other multiannual projects that would require co-operation between the First Nations. “As we move through successive phases of work, many nations will come to the table and contribute,” Sellars said.

$ 320 million in searches, support “probably not enough”

Miller said he recognizes that Canadians and the federal government must do more to find and understand the truth of Canada’s history in order to move toward reconciliation. In August, Canada provided more than $ 320 million in home school research and support for survivors and their families. “That will probably not be enough,” Miller said. “And we are ready to provide more funding and, frankly, any assets of the Canadian government that can be used to help these communities find them.” More than 150,000 children attended home schooling in Canada from the 1830s until the last school closed in 1997, and according to the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation, at least 4,100 children died in school, though that number is probably much larger. Support is available to anyone affected by their home schooling experience and to those activated by the latest reports. A national Indian housing school crisis line has been set up to provide support to alumni and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis hotline: 1-866-925-4419.