Yesterday, we learned of the discovery of nearly 100 unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school in northern Saskatchewan. It is believed that buried at the site are 79 children and 14 infants. As the chief of English River First Nation said, schools should come with playgrounds, “not graveyards.” We are saddened and horrified by yet another reminder of the tragic history and treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the residential school system and its legacy of intergenerational trauma. 

We act in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and the impacted communities at this incredibly difficult time. This latest news will undoubtedly have an impact on our Humber community as well, and support is available for students and staff who may need it.  

• If you are looking for mental health counselling, you can contact the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre for support.  
• You can also connect with the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Diversity. 
• Good2Talk (1.866.925.5454) is a 24-hour mental health support for Post-Secondary Students in Ontario. 
• Keep.meSAFE offers linguistically and culturally diverse mental health support for Humber International Students  
• Therapy Assist Online   
• Across Boundaries  
• Hope for Wellness Help Line  
• Distress Centre Peel: 905.278.7208 

Staff are encouraged to access the Employee Assistance Plan services or to connect with their manager for support as needed. 

As the truth of the residential school system and racist policies continue to be exposed and more unmarked graves are uncovered, it is important that we as a society do not become desensitized to the horrors endured by Indigenous People. In order to heal and build mino nawendiwin (good relationships), it is every Canadian’s responsibility to engage in Truth and Reconciliation, and to understand the impacts of residential schools, the policies that created the conditions for the devastation of Indigenous cultures and communities, and the roles that Indigenous peoples are playing in shaping our modern world. 

For more information about how Humber contributes to your own opportunities to learn, please visit the Humber Indigenous Education and Engagement website. 

Take care,