Garden River initiates Survivors Project

Trigger warning: readers may be triggered by the recount of Indian Residential Schools. To access a 24-hour National Crisis Line, call: 1-866-925-4419. Community Assistance Program (CAP) can be accessed for citizens of the Anishinabek Nation: 1-800-663-1142.

GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION— Garden River First Nation Ogimaw Andy Rickard announces the multi-year funding commitment to commence the initiative to establish protocols for searches, remains, memorialization, identification and commemoration of children of families associated with Garden River First Nation on the Unmarked Graves.

“For decades, our Elders have talked about the Children who never returned. There has and continues to be significant trauma that our families carry in all aspects of their lives, in particular the spiritual trauma our community has experienced,” stated Ogimaw Rickard. “It’s time for us to bring our own children back to the community so they can be honoured properly, so they can rest with their families and the completion of their Spirit Journey.”

The Survivors Project, which started months ago but will get significant resources dedicated to it over the next three years, will include searches on grounds associated with former Shingwauk Residential School and Wawanosh Home for Girls grounds that fall within Garden River traditional territory of Bawating. The process will also include establishing relationship agreements with other third-party entities that are already conducting important archival research and work to bring justice to our children.

“We can’t rush these things. It never works that way. We must keep our families, our children, our Elders, our own Survivors at the center of these initiatives and therefore, we must do this right,” added Ogimaw Andy Rickard, reflecting on the guiding principles of this initiative. “We have to let our traditional protocols and our customs guide us, hence, it is vital for us that this project is First Nation-led.”

Over the next few weeks, Garden River First Nation will begin supplementing its existing capacity to undertake this important work, including securing dedicated mental health support as the community undertakes this difficult journey.

This is further work the community is undertaking in order to restore and reclaim the true vision of Chief Shingwauk of having a Teaching Wigwam and a safe place where our people were to receive proper education. He did not expect a place where students, families, and generations to follow would experience loss of language and culture, and for innocent children never to return home to safety with their families and communities.

Garden River First Nation acknowledges both Canada and Ontario governments for their investment in this project and looks forward to resetting their relationship through this project and correcting history and the voice of survivors and families.

For Truth and Reconciliation to find a path forward, the Truth must be told and shared for all Canadians to become aware and understand.

For additional information:

Ogimaw Andy Rickard, Sturgeon Clan
Garden River First Nation
ARickard@gardenriver.org
Tel: 705-257-0678