Metis Nation of Alberta welcomes funding announcement, calls for more immediate action
Posted Jun 1, 2021 11:54 am.
EDMONTON – The head of the Metis Nation of Alberta is welcoming the province’s new program to help bring closure to Indigenous families with cautious optimism.
“Action 74 of the 94 Truth and Reconciliation actions calls for the federal government to work with churches and Indigenous leaders to let families know where their children or relatives are buried and to respond to their wishes regarding commemoration of beloved family members,” said Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rick Wilson, in a release sent Monday afternoon.
Wilson said the province will fund research into the undocumented deaths and burials of hundreds of Indigenous children at the 25 residential schools that operated in Alberta.
In a statement, Audrey Poitras says it’s a good start, but the nation needs to see an immediate commitment of funds, resources, and a timeline.
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“We welcome Minister Wilson’s recent announcement of funding to search for similar burial sites in this province, and we hope that the Alberta government’s actions will be more than performative and that they will stand up for Indigenous rights across all areas of our lives,” said Poitras.
“History sadly supports our mistrust, but we hope that this devastating discovery is the catalyst for true reconciliation in this province.”
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She says the discovery of the 215 bodies in Kamloops was devastating and yet another painful reminder of the continued trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples.
“The trauma of residential schools was experienced by Métis people across the country, though it is often overlooked, including by all levels of government. True reconciliation can only exist once the traumas of the past are addressed at all levels of government and society.”
