Community message: Marieval Indian Residential School burial site

Today we learned about the appalling discovery of 751 unmarked graves near the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan. This is another painful and shameful reminder of the long road ahead as we take crucial steps forward towards reconciliation. Ontario Tech University supports all efforts to unearth these horrors and more accurately account a cruel history.

To honour these Indigenous children, and the survivors and their families, we will lower the university’s flags as a reminder of these devastating acts.

We know this news is distressing and many may experience difficulties, so we remind everyone to reach out to one another. The university and the Indigenous community have many supports available and we encourage you to reach out to them as needed.

• The Indigenous Cultural Advisor for traditional counselling supports for students. Contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca to make an appointment.
• The Indian Residential School Survivors Society Emergency Crisis Line at 1.800.721.0066.
• 24-Hour Crisis Line at 1.866.925.4419.

Additional supports for students:

• Ontario Tech Student Mental Health Services

Additional supports for faculty and staff:

• Employee Family Assistance Program