OGIMAAWABIITONG

May 31st 2021
Kenora, ON
For immediate release

The Board of Directors at Kenora Chiefs Advisory are comprised of the Chiefs of 9 communities which KCA serves, located in Treaty #3 Territory. The Chiefs, alongside KCA staff convey our deepest, heartfelt acknowledgments to the families of the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc First Nation. We take this time to also acknowledge all the families across our Nations who have had children that attended residential schools, and many families that continue to grieve children who went missing or died while at these schools.

The recent discovery of a mass grave of 215 children is another reminder of the harrowing realities and impacts that the residential school system continues to have on Anishinaabeg. This loss is felt both individually, and collectively.

“I am deeply saddened for all the families that have been affected by this absolute tragedy”, said Board President, Chief Lorraine Cobiness of Niisaachewan Anishnaabe Nation. “We will stand in solidarity with all those who have been affected by this unimaginable loss, and acknowledge that the trauma from the residential school system still implicates this country and our people today”.

Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh calls upon all its affiliated organizations and neighbours in the Treaty #3 territory to lower their flags to half-mast this week in honour of the 215 Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc children, and all survivors of residential schools. The KCA Board and its staff will be participating in response to this call.

The memorial sites located at Cecilia Jeffrey and St. Mary’s Residential Schools remain places where community members can make offerings and pray. In Kenora, a memorial located at the Kenora Shoppers Mall round-about has been organized by local Grandmothers and community members for those that wish to pay their respects.

KCA encourages everyone to educate themselves on the ongoing legacy of Residential Schools by reading the Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action, and thinking about how as individuals we can advance these Calls within our collective communities, and society.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Abbie Siroishka
Senior Executive Assistant and Communications Lead, Kenora Chiefs Advisory
807-407-4282
Abbie.siroishka@www.kenorachiefs.org