During this federal election campaign, the Survivors’ Secretariat urges all political parties to take a decisive stand on an issue that has been largely absent from party platforms—the search for missing children and unmarked burials associated with Indian Residential Schools.
Canada needs a leader who will uphold the government’s commitment to reconciliation and set the tone for how all political parties will address this critical issue over the next four years. Reconciliation remains a key concern for Indigenous communities and their allies, Canadians are watching closely. Will the federal government follow through on its promises to work towards reconciliation, or will history repeat itself through inaction and broken commitments?
Below is our open letter to all party leaders regarding the lack of new funding for the now-passed 2024/2025 fiscal year to continue this vital search.
To date, the Secretariat has not received a response from our February 24 communication to CIRNAC Deputy Minister Valerie Gideon regarding the alleged surplus in our funding. Despite multiple follow-ups, no clarification has been provided on how CIRNAC arrived at this surplus.
We call on every political party to stand with Survivors and include their search for missing children and unmarked burials in their platforms. Indigenous organizations across this country deserve the resources and support to Bring the Children Home with dignity and respect.