Our Hospital is saddened to learn about the tragic news coming from the site of the former Marieval Residential School on Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan. Much like the discovery of the undocumented deaths in Kamloops earlier this month, it’s a reminder of the systemic racism, discrimination, and injustice that Indigenous people have faced, and continue to face, in this country. We share in the grief of residential school survivors, their families, and all Indigenous peoples and communities, including our colleagues, neighbours, and the 69 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario that we serve. Our Hospital is committed to actions to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. Flags at our Hospital will be flown at half-mast starting today until July 26th, one hour for each of the 751 lives that were lost, and in memory of the thousands of children who were sent to residential schools, for those who never returned home, and in honour of the families whose lives were irreversibly changed.

Residential school survivors, their families, or anyone who needs emotional support can contact:

IRS Survivors Society: 1 (800) 721-0066
IRS National Crisis Line: 1 (866) 925-4419
Talk4Healing: 1 (855) 544-4325
Crisis Services Canada: 1 (833) 456-4566 or text 45645
Native Youth Crisis Hotline: 1 (877) 209-1266