The provincial government has announced plans to construct a public monument to honour the victims and survivors of residential schools in the province.
The permanent monument will be constructed at Government House in Regina, and according to a provincial press release, its purpose is “to honour those who suffered, and those who continue to suffer, the impact of the residential school system.”
In Saskatchewan, approximately 20 residential schools operated from the 1880s to the 1990s. The federal government’s reports show that 150,000 Indigenous children were removed from their families to attend these schools.
The decision to move forward with a monument fulfills one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, specifically one that recommends installing a publicly accessible, highly visible monument to residential schools in each capital city in Canada to honour survivors and children lost to their families and communities.
Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty will take part in the project, working alongside the Provincial Capital Commissions to create the monument.
He will continue to speak to residential school survivors, their families and Indigenous elders for input on the project.
“I’m very pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan is creating this important monument at Government House in Regina,” said Mirasty, in a press release. “The monument will be part of the healing journey, and I look forward to continuing my ongoing conversations with Elders and Knowledge Keepers as we work together to develop this meaningful and lasting tribute.”
Construction details will be shared following these discussions.
