We at the Galt Museum & Archives, a settler-colonial cultural memory institution, extend our deepest condolences to the families and communities who were forced to endure Indian Residential Schools and had loved ones taken from them. We believe the accounts of the atrocities that occurred, as told by Elders and community members, in these schools. We accept the painful truth that genocide was perpetrated on Indigenous Peoples of this land.

Words cannot express the profound sorrow, shame and horror of the news reports related to the unmarked gravesite of Indigenous children whose lives were lost while involuntarily attending Indian Residential Schools across Canada. In solidarity with our Indigenous Elders, family, friends, and community members, we recognize and mourn the lives and spirits of the children whose remains have been discovered. We honour those grappling with the legacy of violence the residential school system inflicted upon Indigenous Peoples.

Truth matters; we must embrace, acknowledge and come to terms with the legacy of residential schools and the trauma they have caused.

We recognize that actions matter more than words. We support the Calls to Action put forward in the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada report and call on all levels of government to commit to concrete actions. When the community is ready, the Galt will be working with Elders and community members to develop meaningful and tangible initiatives that create a path towards healing and reconciliation.

Galt Museum & Archives Board of Directors
Galt Museum & Archives Management and Staff

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This media release can be found at www.galtmuseum.com/news.

Media Contacts

Graham Ruttan (he/him)
Marketing and Communications Officer
graham.ruttan@galtmuseum.com
403.320.4009