In the late 1800’s, the Department of Indian Affairs and various churches took approximately 24,000 children from their homes to attend residential schools. The desired government outcome was to teach Aboriginal children to become self-sustaining members of the non-Aboriginal community.
Nearly 50% of the students that went to these Indian Residential Schools never returned to their homes.
Statement of Apology – June 11, 2008
The Right Honourable Stephen Harper issue a Statement of Apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools. “The government now recognizes that the consequences of the Indian Residential Schools policy were profoundly negative and that this policy has had a lasting and damaging impact on Aboriginal culture, heritage and language. The legacy of Indian Residential Schools has contributed to social problems that continue to exist in many communities today.”
Mandate
The Indian Residential School Department of Grand Council Treaty #3 is mandated to provide one to one support for Indian Residential School and Indian Day School survivors claims process as well as to provide support and services through awareness of traditional teachings in respect to re-building its families and communities. Healing became an initiative as a result of the Indian Residential School legacy.
Services
- Mental Health & Wellness: We provide personalized support through counseling, healing circles, and traditional ceremonies led by Elders, along with trauma informed care workers to help survivors address trauma and receive guidance.
- Claims Process Support: We assist claimants with filling out compensation and support applications and offer case management services to guide them through the entire claims process.
- Community Support: We offer community support through facilitated group events where survivors and their families can share experiences and find mutual support, alongside conducting outreach activities to inform and engage the community in healing and reconciliation efforts.
- Education & Advocacy: Public Education involves raising awareness about the impacts of residential schools through workshops, seminars, and public events, while Advocacy focuses on advocating for improved support systems and policies at local, provincial, and national levels to ensure continuous support for survivors.
Staffing
The Wiisokotatiwin Indian Residential School program presently consists of a IRS Cultural Manager, IRS Cultural Support Worker, Trauma Informed Coordinators and an Indian Day School Support Worker. You may find their contact info under the Staff Directory.
Contact
You can contact us at 1-877-880-5638 or 807-548-4214
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.
Indian Residential School Commemoration Monuments
In 2012, Grand Council Treaty #3 unveiled six monuments to honour the children of (both living and deceased) who attended Indian Residential Schools.
We are dedicated to expanding this tribute by adding the names of individuals from the 28 First Nation communities within Treaty #3 who attended Residential Schools. To include an individual’s name on the monument, please complete this consent form, which can be filled out by the individual or an authorized family member on their behalf.