The United Steelworkers union in District 3 is heartbroken and horrified by the discovery of over 1,000 unmarked graves of children and adults at residential school sites in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia over the past month.
We share our deepest condolences with the families, Indigenous communities and residential school survivors impacted by the genocidal legacy of the residential “school” system. It is devastating that so many children were stolen from their families to never return home, and the truth of their deaths was covered up and disregarded for decades. This tragic revelation highlights how Indigenous peoples have experienced and continue to experience anti-Indigenous systemic racism, discrimination and intergenerational trauma. This includes Steelworker members. These truths cannot be ignored.
Every single residential school site must be professionally searched. Our union fully supports the calls for justice, accountability and reconciliation, including carrying out the 94 calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, by all levels of government, industry and civil society.
For those in need of emotional support, please reach out to the 24-hour National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
We are grateful for the work that is being done to bring closure to survivors, families and communities across the country.
We stand in solidarity.
Stephen Hunt
District 3 Director
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