AMC News

Today we gathered to honour those that survived the Indian Residential Schools. More specifically a residential school located here in Winnipeg, MB. The Assiniboia Residential School Legacy Group unveiled plans for a Residential School Commemorative Monument & Gathering Place to be built.

Opened in 1958, it is estimated that more than 750 Indigenous students attended school. The Assiniboia Residential School is one of only a few urban residential schools in Canada and the first residential high school in Manitoba.

Today, Elders, Survivors, Community Leaders, and local Winnipegers gathered to honour those who survived but also those who did not make it home. We give thanks for the dedicated work of the Assiniboia Residential School Legacy Group which has spent many years working hard to bring this project to fruition.

“Our wish is to create a site to truly honour the Survivors and acknowledge their experiences,” said Rosa Walker, board member, Assiniboia Residential School Legacy Group, shared in a provincial news release “It’s incumbent upon all of us, as governments, communities and individuals, to ensure our history – this truth – is captured and never forgotten. This site is for all of us.”

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs acknowledges and honours the late Theodore Fontaine who was part of the Assiniboia Residential School Legacy Group and spoke often about his time at school, bringing awareness and working with other Survivors to ensure these truths remain in the light so that we may remember and learn.

A reminder that if you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to speak to, the National Residential School Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419