Released on August 14, 2018
A monument to commemorate and honour those who died while attending the Regina Indian Industrial School (RIIS) over 100 years ago was unveiled today.“This Provincial Heritage Property designation ensures the Regina Indian Industrial School Cemetery history will not be forgotten,” Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Gene Makowsky said. “This plaque is a permanent feature to commemorate the children who passed while attending the school, and acknowledges the impact residential schools had on Saskatchewan peoples and communities.”
Located west of Regina, the RIIS operated from 1891 – 1910. The cemetery is the final resting place of at least 35 children from First Nations and Métis communities from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba who died while attending the school.
“Unveiling this monument was an emotional and powerful experience for many. We still have a long road ahead of us on the healing journey, but are pleased to be witnessing this historic moment of reconciliation after the devastating legacy left by the residential school system,” Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief, Bobby Cameron, said.
“We wish to thank the City of Regina and the Province of Saskatchewan for commemorating this important heritage site and joining us in the spirit of reconciliation,” Regina Indian Industrial School Commemorative Association member, Janine Windolph said. “It is important that this story be shared so that future generations may gain a better understanding of what happened in a dark part of our history.”
Provincial Heritage Property designations play an integral role in the conservation and protection of Saskatchewan’s heritage. For more information about Saskatchewan’s Provincial Heritage properties visit http://www.saskatchewan.ca/
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For more information, contact:
Nicole McLoughlin
Parks, Culture, Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3506
Email: nicole.mcloughlin@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927