On April 24, our executive director, Marjolaine Siouï, had the privilege of attending the release of the 5th annual report in the community of Mashteuiatsh, in her role as a member of the Act’s implementation monitoring committee. This type of ceremony is always very emotional, as it reminds us of what we hold most dear: our children.
It is worth recalling that this Act originated from the desire expressed by many families to know the truth about the disappearance or death of their loved ones under unknown circumstances following their removal from the community for medical reasons or, more broadly, their admission to a health and social services institution.
During this visit, we had the opportunity to tour the site of the former Pointe-Bleue Indian Residential School, which shut down in 1991. Today, the site is home to Kassinu Mamu high school. It was particularly moving to hear the testimonies of two survivors of the residential school, Mr. Clifford Moar, former chief of Mashteuiatsh, and Mr. Pierre-Paul Niquay, recruitment and information officer for the Awacak organization.
Over the past five years, tremendous work has been accomplished by Awacak, led by Ms. Françoise Ruperthouse and her team, as well as by the Direction de soutien aux familles branch of the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Premières Nations et les Inuit.
Even though many families have found answers to their questions, they continue to be deeply affected, having borne the weight of these injustices and the resulting wounds for decades. Their determination to know the truth is an inspiration to us all.
The report’s key findings are available in English, French, and Innu.
