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Take the 215+ Pledge Map of Burial Sites Do Something FAQ Blog Residential School News

Residential School News

2025 News

Progress made but more to do is the message as Truth & Reconciliation report reaches 10-year mark – Medicine Hat NewsMedicine Hat News
Medicine Hat News | December 16, 2025

It’s been 10 years since the TRC final report and it’s time to tackle denialism says regional chief 
APTN News | December 15, 2025 

Denialism close-up – an APTN Investigates
APTN News | December 8, 2025 

Residential school survivor to protest OneBC at campuses – Victoria Times Colonist
Times Colonist | December 4, 2025 

Sister of residential school victim ‘very happy’ decades-long work has finally brought home her remains | Watch News Videos Online
Global News | November 13, 2025  

Winnipeg MP’s private member’s bill would make residential school denialism a crime – Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg Free Press | October 31, 2025

My Father Was Found in a Residential School Incinerator When He Was an Infant | The Walrus 
The Walrus | October 25, 2025 

Last remaining buildings at Christie Residential School coming down | Watch News Videos Online 
Global News | October 10, 2025  

Former Ile-a-la-Crosse Boarding School students receive apology from province – Prince Albert Daily Herald 
Prince Albert Daily Herald | October 1, 2025  

Authors launch book Decolonization and Me to confront residential school denialism 
APTN News | September 22, 2025

B.C. community says archeologists confirm unmarked graves
APTN News | August 18, 2025

Ontario to spend $7.7M to support residential school survivors
CBC News | August 11, 2025

City of Calgary finalizes design for residential school memorial
Calgary Herald | July 25, 2025

Former Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford, Ont., nearly ready to open as public museum
CBC News | June 20, 2025

Decades after his death, family repatriates First Nation man’s remains 1,200 km back home
CBC News | May 3, 2025

‘Man of compassion:’ Indigenous leaders, residential school survivors on Pope Francis
City News | April 21, 2025

Survivors urge all political parties to support residential school burial investigations
CBC News | April 16, 2025

Chief wants Tories to drop candidate accused of denying residential schools history
Global News | April 4, 2025

Residential school denialism: what is it and how to recognize it
CBC News | March 25, 2025

Goodbye Grandin, hello The Gardens: City of St. Albert scraps controversial name – Edmonton
Global News | March 19, 2025

Ottawa ends funding for national advisory committee on unmarked residential school graves
CBC News | February 16, 2025

‘Denying our truth’ The fight against residential school denialism in Canada
Al Jazeera | February 7, 2025

Film on legacy of residential schools in Canada nominated for best documentary at 2025 Oscars
CBC News | January 25, 2025

After ‘burial features’ detected on McIntosh residential school grounds, researchers help families get closure
CBC News | Jan 22, 2025 | McIntosh Residential School

Search detects 114 ‘unmarked burial features’ on former McIntosh Indian Residential School property
CBC News | January 17, 2025 | McIntosh Indian Residential School

2024 News

YWCA Canada apologizes for involvement in residential schools
APTN News | December 13, 2024

Biden creates national monument marking Indian boarding schools’ history of oppression
NBC News | December 9, 2024

Some missing residential school students disappeared into arranged marriages, report says
CBC News | December 3, 2024

Agreement with Oblates hailed as major step in shining light on ‘shameful history’ of residential schools
CBC News | December 3, 2024

Coroner’s probe finds 220 additional deaths at Ontario residential schools
CBC News | December 2, 2024

Potential unmarked graves identified at B.C.’s Lejac residential school: First Nation
CBC News | November 30, 2024 | Nadleh Whut’en First Nation

Special interlocutor still waiting for Canada’s response to report on disappeared residential school children
CBC News | November 29, 2024

Experiences of girls at Good Shepherd Homes similar to residential schools, say survivors
CBC News | November 27, 2024

Residential school survivors are still fighting for access to records. They can’t heal, until they know
Toronto Star | November 26, 2024

For some in Nunavik, federal apology for dog slaughter is a step toward reconciliation
CBC News | Nov 24, 2024

Fort Albany First Nation starts search for unmarked graves at former residential school
CBC News | November 20, 2024 | Fort Albany First Nation

Documentary about residential school experiences to premiere on CBC Gem
Windspeaker | November 18, 2024

Proposed class-action alleges abuse, cultural devastation at Indigenous group homes in Canada
CBC News | November 14, 2024

Residential school survivor on the importance of honouring Indigenous veterans
APTN News | November 8, 2024

Murray Sinclair ‘shared our truth,’ residential school survivor says as memorial set for late TRC chair
CBC News | November 5, 2024

UN committee calls on Canada to eliminate Indian Act’s 2nd generation cut-off
CBC Lite | November 4, 2024

Special interlocutor says she received abuse, threats during work on residential schools
The Globe and Mail | Oct 30, 2024

Special interlocutor releases final residential school graves report
APTN News | October 29, 2024

Possible unmarked burials found at former residential school in northwestern Ontario
CTV News | October 28, 2024 | Grassy Narrows First Nation

The push to criminalize residential school denialism in Canada
Global News | October 27, 2024

Biden apologizes for past U.S. policy on boarding schools for Indigenous children
CBC News | October 25, 2024

Families call for inquiry after nine Indigenous people killed in police interactions
CityNews | October 22, 2024

Canadian Senate supports bill to end forced sterilization of Indigenous women
APTN News | October 15, 2024

At least 55 children died or disappeared at residential school near Williams Lake, B.C.: Report
Global News | October 12, 2024 | Williams Lake First Nation

Eight anomalies found in George Gordon First Nation’s search of unmarked graves
CTV News | September 28, 2024 | George Gordon First Nation

Bill before Parliament would outlaw residential school ‘denialism’
CBC News | September 26, 2024

Search for unmarked graves begins at former residential school in Sturgeon Landing, Sask.
Global News | September 23, 2024 | Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation

Family of man in residential school denied federal funds to repatriate remains because he died as an adult
CBC News | September 9, 2024 | St. Joseph’s Residential School

Doctors’ roles in harming Indigenous communities focus of apology
Timmins Today | September 5, 2024

Unmarked burials found on site of former Manitoba residential school
CTV News | August 30, 2024 | Opaskwayak Cree Nation

After criticism, federal government reverses plan to limit funding for residential school grave searches
National Post | August 16, 2024

Sugarcane documentary explores residential school intergenerational trauma and resilience
CBC News | August 9, 2024

Residential school survivor suing Catholic priest for defamation
APTN News | July 29, 2024

Funding cut for residential school searches ‘reflects a troubling denialism,’ says chief
CBC News | July 18, 2024 | Pimicikamak Cree Nation

History of residential school cemeteries is evidence of genocide, interlocutor says
CBC News | July 3, 2024

Manitoba launches Orange Shirt Day Fund to support truth and reconciliation efforts
Winnipeg Sun | July 3, 2024

Northern Manitoba First Nation reports 187 anomalies found at or near site of former residential school
CBC News | July 3, 2024 | Pimicikamak Cree Nation

Ottawa launches residential school map to help in search for missing children
CBC News | June 29, 2024

Catholic Church and B.C. First Nation unveil covenant on residential schools
The Globe and Mail | June 26, 2024 | Tkemlups te Secwepemc First Nation

First Nation in B.C. plans dig for remains at ex-school, signs deal with RCMP, province
APTN News | June 3, 2024 | Williams Lake First Nation

Survivors lead search for missing children at the former Lejac Residential School
IndigiNews | May 26, 2024 | Nadleh Whut’en

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc to reflect on 3 years since ‘215’ findings
CBC News | May 23, 2024 | Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation

B.C. First Nation surveys school site as it hosts meeting regarding unmarked graves
CityTV Vancouver | May 14, 2024 | Nadleh Whut’en First Nation

Residential school survivors claim Canada is withholding documents detailing abuse — and demand an inquiry
Toronto Star | April 30, 2024

An Indigenous Archaeologist’s Journey to Find the Lost Children
Scientific American | April 25, 2024

Residential school survivor leads class-action lawsuit against Catholic Church, priest
CTV News | April 23, 2024

Ground search begins in Whitehorse at sites of 2 former dorms for Indigenous students
CBC News | April 23, 2024

What comes next in the search for missing residential school children?
CBC News | April 13, 2024 | Ahousaht First Nation

Canada broke its treaty promise, but Blood Tribe is barred from suing, Supreme Court rules
CBC News | April 12, 2024

Ahousaht First Nation releases findings from search for missing residential school children
CBC News | April 10, 2024 | Ahousaht First Nation

Walking alongside Survivors: How the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre supports access to Residential School records
UBC News | April 9, 2024

B.C. mayor faces calls to resign over wife’s support of residential school ‘denialism’ book
CTV News | April 4, 2024

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc says decision on whether to excavate unmarked graves in Kamloops still unresolved
The Globe and Mail | March 28, 2024 | Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation

Hague commission releases interim report into unmarked graves at residential schools
The Globe and Mail | March 21, 2024

Feds announce funding to help IRC find children lost to residential schools
NNSL | March 6, 2024 | Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

Day school settlement has paid out $5.7B in claims. A Supreme Court petition says survivors were shortchanged
CBC News | March 5, 2024

Bill to make forced and coerced sterilization a criminal offence before Senate committee
CBC News | February 29, 2024

Senate committee hears from information commissioner on residential schools records access
CBC News | February 29, 2024

Possible unmarked graves suspends expansion at Montreal SAQ site
CityNews Montreal | February 11, 2024 | Kanien’keha:ka Kahnistensera (Mohawk Mothers)

Supreme Court declares Indigenous child welfare law constitutional
CBC News | February 9, 2024

Child’s remains found at site of former residential school northeast of Edmonton
Global News | January 25, 2024 | Blue Quills Residential School

Excavation planned at suspected burial site near Blue Quills residential school at Saddle Lake
CBC News | January 24, 2024 | Blue Quills Residential School

2023 News

Judge orders McGill to comply with deal on unmarked grave search at former hospital
CBC News | November 21, 2023

Cadaver dogs searching for unmarked graves at former Kenora residential school site uncover 22 ‘alerts’
CBC News | October 23, 2023 | St. Mary’s Indian Residential School

Ground search finds 15 ‘potential’ grave sites at former Yukon residential school site
CBC News | September 26, 2023 | Chooutla Indian Residential School

Stó:lō Nation identifies 158 child deaths, potential unmarked graves at former residential schools, hospital
CBC News | September 21, 2023 | St. Mary’s Residential School

English River First Nation announces more findings in radar search for unmarked graves
CBC News | August 29, 2023 | Beauval Indian Residential School

Search for unmarked graves at Blue Quills residential school finds 19 sites that could be unmarked plots
CBC News | April 19, 2023 | Blue Quills Residential School

Tseshaht First Nation’s research says at least 67 children died at Alberni Indian Residential School
Global News | February 21, 2023 | Tseshaht First Nation

Following discovery of anomalies on former Lebret residential school site, next phase of search is off-site
The Star Phoenix | February 13, 2023 | Star Blanket Cree Nation

Over 170 ‘plausible burials’ detected in search for unmarked graves at former Kenora residential school site
CBC News Thunder Bay | January 17, 2023 | Wauzhushk Onigum Nation

More potential remains found at former Williams Lake residential school
City News Vancouver | January 25, 2023| Williams Lake First Nation

2022 News

George Gordon First Nation announces 14 potential unmarked burial sites at former Sask. residential school
CBC News | April 20, 2022 | Gordon’s Indian Residential School

169 potential graves found at site of former residential school in northern Alberta
CBC News | March 1, 2022 | Grouard Mission

93 potential burial sites found near former B.C. residential school
CBC News | January 25, 2022 | St. Joseph’s Mission

2021 News

B.C. First Nation says more than 160 unmarked graves found
CBC News | July 12, 2021 | Kuper Island Indian Residential School

182 unmarked graves discovered near residential school in B.C.’s Interior, First Nation says
CBC News | June 30, 2021 | St. Eugene’s Mission School

Sask. First Nation announces discovery of 751 unmarked graves near former residential school
CBC News | June 24, 2021 | Marieval Indian Residential School

Team investigating Brandon’s former residential school for graves turns to elders for clues
CBC News Manitoba | June 20, 2021 | Brandon Indian Residential School

Remains of 215 children found buried at former B.C. residential school, First Nation says
CBC News British Columbia | May 28, 2021 | Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc

Do Something

The 215+ Pledge is a call to action to come together to #DoSomething to make sure no child who died at residential school is forgotten and that the experiences of all of those who attended residential school are honoured.

How will you #DoSomething?

Below are just some ways to take action. There are countless more.

Support a recovery effort in your region.

Make sure you do your research before you engage. Here are some questions you might want to consider:

  • Does the community conducting the search have a donation request or a Go Fund Me?
  • Are there news stories online with calls to action for people outside the community who want to help?
  • Are there municipal by-laws impeding a search in your area? Contact local politicians to help advocate for change.
  • Is there a ground search in your area at a site not recognized as a federal residential school? Find out how you can help advocate for that site to be recognized.

Educate yourself and others about the true history of residential schools, colonization, and the unique rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples.

  • Check out the resources available free at downiewenjack.ca.
  • Watch past National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Panel Discussions to learn from community members (below).

Take the Pledge

Individuals, families, communities, and organizations can take the pledge and create their own ways to act. This is a call to action, not a prescribed path to achieve the change.

#215Pledge is a growing coalition to call for #reconciliACTION.

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) will be hosting a form for individuals and organizations to join the #215pledge movement. A growing coalition, supported by DWF will be a nexus for bringing us together.

Join us in calling for these actions so no child who died while in the care of a residential school is lost and that the experiences of all those affected by residential schools are honoured.

Sign the pledge and join us in calling for leaders and decision-makers to take action.

#reconciliACTION #DoSomething #SafeSpaces #215Pledge

National Geographic: UNMARKED BURIAL SITES ASSOCIATED WITH INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS

Do Something

The 215+ Pledge is a call to action to come together to #DoSomething to make sure no child who died at residential school is forgotten and that the experiences of all of those who attended residential school are honoured.

How will you #DoSomething?

Do Something
DONATE

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The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

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About DWF

Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada.

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E-mail: staff@downiewenjack.ca
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OHSWEKEN, ON
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