What We Do
Bringing the Children Home
The Survivors’ Secretariat is grounded in values of being Survivor-led, community-centered, and trauma-informed. Our mission is to uncover, document and share the truths of the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School.
The Survivors’ Secretariat organizes its efforts to Bring the Children the Home into four primary pillars of work: Document Collection, Ground Search, Advocacy, Commemoration.
5,630
Children confirmed to
have attended
101
Documented child deaths
60+
children sent to
the institute
1,950+
Individuals identified to have
worked for the institute
5,630
Children confirmed to
have attended
101
Documented child deaths
60+
children sent to
the institute
1,950+
Individuals identified to have
worked for the institute
WHAT WE DO
Our Four Pillars
Research & Document Collection
We use records and documents to identify every student who attended the Mohawk Institute to inform if any are missing, have passed on or are unaccounted for.
Ground Search
We investigate potential unmarked burials by using geophysical technologies to collect data to identify grave shafts on or around the former Mohawk Institute.
Advocacy
We amplify the voices of Survivors and seek their guidance on how to Bring the Children Home.
Commemoration
We will remember the legacy of those who never returned home and honour the experiences of those who survived by creating spaces to house their memories.