Tribute Items On Legislative Building Steps To Be Respectfully Blessed And Donated

Released on November 12, 2021

The Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services, under the guidance of Elders, honoured and removed items left on the steps of the Legislative building as a tribute to the children who were discovered in unmarked graves near residential schools. Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services will work with Elders to determine what will be done with the items.

"These tribute items represent all those who have been devastated by the findings of unmarked gravesites at residential schools," First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Minister Don McMorris said. "As we acknowledge the victims of Residential Schools, we want to ensure the tributes are handled respectfully and will be working with Elders and the Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services on a process for all items moving forward."

In June, the province announced $2 million of provincial funding, provided to the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations in support of research into undocumented deaths and burials on former federally operated residential school locations in the province. Work is also underway with the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan to create a memorial to victims of Residential Schools that will be located on the grounds of Government House in Regina.

Out of respect for traditional practices, the tribute items were gathered this morning as part of a private, traditional ceremony that will see them honoured off-site.

For more information on Truth and Reconciliation in Saskatchewan, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/first-nations-citizens/moving-forward-with-the-truth-and-reconciliation-commission.

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