Clarington stands with the Cowessess First Nation after discovery of 751 unmarked graves

Clarington, Ontario – The Municipality of Clarington is releasing the following statement on behalf of Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.

"The Municipality of Clarington stands together with the Cowessess First Nation as they begin the process of mourning following the discovery of 751 unmarked graves near the site of the Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan. The Cowessess First Nation has asked Canadians to stand by them as they address their truth. Clarington stands firmly with you, and we want to express our condolences.

To the survivors of the residential school system and families who have lost loved ones, your experiences are horrific and unfathomable. Our hearts are with you as you mourn and begin the healing process, which includes identifying the remains of those found in the unmarked graves. While it's unclear if all the graves are related to the residential school, the loss of life is inexcusable.
In Clarington, we want to learn to become a better ally to our Indigenous Communities. To that end, the Municipality of Clarington will be examining the action items identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We will reach out to our Indigenous Communities to work together towards reconciliation.

We know that the discovery in Saskatchewan is not unique; there are other unmarked gravesites across the country. As we continue to mark National Indigenous History Month this June, it's important that we acknowledge our past, learn from it and redress the legacy of the residential school system. We must promote healing and education. We must learn from the lessons of history and together ensure that every life matters, every child matters."

- Adrian Foster – Mayor of the Municipality of Clarington

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Media inquiries
Municipality of Clarington
Basia Radomski
Communications Manager
905-623-3379 ext. 2214 or bradomski@clarington.net