“The discovery of anomalies consistent with unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school near High Prairie reminds us of the likelihood that there are unmarked graves of Indigenous children and youth at such sites across the province.
“These research findings can be traumatic for many Indian Residential School survivors and First Nations across the province.
“The Indian Residential School system was a wicked injustice that too often forcibly segregated children from their families and sought to supress Indigenous culture and language. Recorded instances of violence and abuse are part of the tragic memory and legacy of the system.
“We would like to thank the team from the University of Alberta’s Department of Archeology for working with the Kapawe’no First Nation on this important research at the site of the graveyard/St. Bernard Mission School.
“Alberta’s government has provided $8 million in funding for research and commemoration of residential school burial sites. Last week’s speech from the throne also reiterates the province’s commitment to erect a permanent memorial to residential school victims and survivors on the grounds of the Alberta legislature.”