Our Four Pillars

Commemoration:

Recognize and honour missing and disappeared children, their families, and impacted communities by incorporating their cultures, ceremonies, and languages into our commemorative initiatives.

Our work is in remembrance of the lived experiences of Survivors and to commemorate the missing children that will carry the seeds of healing and unity.

We Strive To:

Remember the legacy of those who never returned home and honour the experiences of those who survived by creating spaces to house their memories.
Recognize and honour all children who died, went missing or were disappeared while associated with the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School.
Honour the missing children, their families, and communities by including their cultures, ceremonies and languages in our work.
Create supportive spaces that foster dialogue and understanding for Survivors and their families by hosting Gatherings and Fireside Chats.
Record Survivor truths and develop materials to share with future generations.

Our Progress

The Secretariat is working with Animikii Indigenous Technology to implement technology in a culturally informed, respectful way. This project will provide a safe space for private and sensitive data to be stored indefinitely.
6,200+ Children confirmed to have attended
105 Documented child deaths

Our Challenges:

Securing consistent and reliable funding is crucial for supporting ongoing commemoration initiatives.
Policies regarding the release of names require careful consideration to respect privacy, community input, and Survivor-led decisions, often making this process lengthy and sensitive.
Ensuring respectful access and use of these lands while balancing Survivor and community needs and sensitivities can be complex.
Preserving and safeguarding lands connected to Indian Residential Schools is essential but often hindered by legal, bureaucratic, and financial obstacles.