Thousands march for Penelakut Tribe following discovery of unmarked graves
A sea of orange shirts flowed through the streets of Chemainus, B.C. on Monday in support of the Penelakut Tribe following last month’s revelation that 160 unmarked graves were discovered at the former Kuper Island Industrial School site on Penelakut Island.
About 3,000 residential school survivors, First Nations community members and supporters marched in solidarity with the tribe.
“Our elders felt it was time – time do something, time to speak for the ones that can’t speak, so that’s why we’re here today,” said Mike Charlie, chair of the Penelakut Elders Treaty Committee.
Last month, the committee sent a memo to neighbouring First Nations to share news about the work it has been doing with ground-penetrating radar since 2014.
The Penelakut Tribe says it has found the graves of 160 children and expects to unearth the remains of many more.
“Today is about bringing their spirit back to the lands where they came from,” said Eddy Charlie, a Kuper Island residential school survivor.
“The truth of residential schools is now starting to make people listen.”
About seven years ago, the Penelakut Tribe began working with researchers at the University of British Columbia to search for the remains of missing children.
UBC anthropology professor Andrew Martindale has been working with the Penelakut Tribe and says it’s a daunting task that has only just begun.
“At this location, of course, but across the country, it’s such an enormous task,” said Martindale. “The governments in Canada need to think about the resources that are necessary to dedicate to this. The numbers of missing children are likely in the tens of thousands across the country.”
The Penelakut March For Missing Children wrapped up with speeches at Waterwheel Park in Chemainus.
“A turnout like this is going to make Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Vatican realize that now is the time for them to tender the apology that needed to be heard a long time ago,” said Charlie.
Ground-penetrating radar work at the former Kuper Island school site is expected to resume in the coming weeks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.