Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau has said this Canada Day should be a time to reflect, resting his view in the recent discovery of another unmarked grave site that contains remains of Indigenous children.
While talking at a recent news conference, Trudeau said: “Many, many Canadians will be reflecting on reconciliation, on our relationship with Indigenous Peoples and how it has evolved and how it needs to continue to evolve rapidly.
“I think this Canada Day, it will be a time of reflection on what we’ve achieved as a country, but on what more we have to do.”
Trudeau’s comments came at a time when a First Nation in Saskatchewan disclosed that ground-penetrating radar had detected 751 unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school.
Trudeau revealed that he spoke to Cowessess First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme about the discovery, and Assembly of First Nations National Chief, Perry Bellegarde.
After the unmarked burial site was discovered in British Columbia in May, indigenous communities all over Canada and many Canadians have been expressing their grief about the deaths of children who were students of the boarding schools.
Some cities have decided to ignore parts of their usual Canada Day festivities since then.
Many communities in New Brunswick, including Saint John and Fredericton, have decided to abolish traditional celebrations in light of the discovery.
Also, Canada Day events will be cancelled partially or totally in Victoria, Wilmot Township in Ontario’s Waterloo Region, and St. Albert to express solidarity with Indigenous communities that are mourning.
