Last month, we were all heartbroken at the horrific discovery of 215 unmarked graves at a residential school in Kamloops in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation territory. From the oral histories and testimonies of residential and day school survivors, we suspected that this would not be the last discovery of this kind. Sadly, that fear was realized with yesterday’s announcement by Cowessess First Nation of 751 unmarked graves found on the grounds of a former residential school in Saskatchewan.

Although the news is almost too much to bear, it is important that we reflect on the lives of these children who were stolen from their families, the communities that were systemically dehumanized, and the rich histories and cultures that were intentionally erased. This is genocide and it is important that we name this for what it is, so we can take meaningful steps to address these atrocities.

To Indigenous colleagues, please know you have my full support and solidarity as this tragedy unfolds and the community continues to face trauma after trauma. I recognize these findings only deepen the pain that families, survivors and all Indigenous peoples already feel, and that they reaffirm a truth you have known all along.

I urge anyone who needs it to seek support, whether it’s through the counselling services of the City’s Employee Assistance Program, Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645), the Hope For Wellness Helpline for Indigenous peoples (1-855-242-3310), the Native Youth Crisis Line (1-877-209-1266) or through services offered by Anishnawbe Health Toronto. For survivors and families, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line also provides emotional and crisis referral services (24-hour line at 1-866-925-4419).

These discoveries remind us that the need for truth, reconciliation and justice has never been greater. I wholeheartedly support City Council’s recent recommitment to and support for further actions to advance truth, reconciliation and justice. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report identified recommendations for municipalities and this is reflected in the City’s commitments to Indigenous peoples. As well, the City’s first reconciliation action plan will be presented to Council later this year and will build on these commitments. I encourage you to review these Priority Calls to Action and identify how you can make reconciliation a key part of your work at the City.

But I know we can do more. We have to do more than simply consult, we have to engage with our staff and with the Indigenous population here in Toronto, as well as our treaty partner, the Mississaugas of the Credit.

Chief Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit spoke movingly at our last City Council meeting, to commemorate the children buried in Kamloops. I want to reiterate his sentiments here – this is an awakening for our country and a call to responsibility. This is a critical moment, where we can choose to move forward, in a good way, on a path to a better future.

I hope you will join me on this path as we move forward together.

Chris Murray
City Manager