For immediate release: September 20, 2024
Beck Commits to Apology for Province’s Role in Île-a-la-Crosse and Timber Bay Residential Schools
Today, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck committed that an NDP government would apologize and take ownership for the damage caused to First Nations and Métis people at the Île-à-la-Crosse and Timber Bay residential schools.
“The lasting damage and trauma caused to First Nations and Métis people in Northern Saskatchewan at these residential schools is still with us today,” said Beck. “It is long past time for the provincial government to take responsibility for what happened at these schools and provide the supports people need - and I’m committed to doing that as premier.”
Beck committed to an apology in the Legislature for the provincial government’s role in funding the schools, and to working with survivors to provide needed supports.
The Île-à-la-Crosse and Timber Bay residential schools were not included in the federal Indian Residential School Settlement process established as part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. These institutions were run by religious organizations and funded by both the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan.
