Statement from MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky:
On behalf of MGEU members, I express our horror and sorrow at the discovery of a mass grave site at the former residential school in Kamloops. There are fourteen former residential schools located across our own province and this is another stark reminder of how far we have yet to come to truly recognize and address the impacts of residential schools on our communities and our history as Canadians.
The remains of those 215 children in BC speak to a legacy of families and communities broken apart and young, precious lives lost in the name of assimilation and colonization. The flags at the Union Centre (MGEU’s head office in Winnipeg) have been lowered to honour these young spirits. Together, let us further honour them by building a new legacy founded on reconciliation and respect.
Residential School Crisis line 1-866-925-4419