We extend our deepest condolences to Indigenous communities regarding the unmarked burials confirmed at several residential schools across the land that we call Canada. Currently, there are thousands of undocumented burials that have been confirmed. Work continues at the sites of former residential schools to identify, mourn, and honour the thousands of buried children. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada estimates that 3,125 unidentified and 1,975 identified children died while in the custody of a residential school. The Archaeology Centre acknowledges the brutal colonial legacy of the residential schools, an institution that assimilated and dehumanized Indigenous children and contributed to the cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples.
We stand in solidarity with the Indigenous children and their families who experienced the harm caused by Canada’s residential school system. In our commitment to advance truth and reconciliation, we support Indigenous communities across North America in combating the crimes of colonialism that continue to be the source of great pain, injustice, and inequality. Specifically, we call on the Canadian government to fully deliver on all 94 Calls to Action, including those related to residential schools, put forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We also expect the University of Toronto to continue to follow through on their commitments to meet the institution’s own 34 Calls to Action. We also call on the Catholic Church to reconcile with the Indigenous communities they have harmed. The Archaeology Centre will strive to mobilize resources and support educational initiatives to promote the interests and perspectives of Indigenous communities in our collective efforts to decolonize archaeological research. We encourage those in our community to join the Archaeology Centre in using educational resources so that we can listen to Indigenous voices, learn, reflect, and act.
Finally, we would like to draw attention to the resources that support Indigenous communities regarding residential schools, including those from the Canadian Archaeological Association. If you are experiencing trauma or feeling distressed, help is available 24/7 for survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. Mental health support for Indigenous peoples is available through the Hope for Wellness chatline at 1-800-721-0066 or using the chat box. The Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society provides information about these hotlines and other available supports.
