Residential schools monument to be installed at Government House

A monument to honour those who suffered in Canada’s residential school system is to be built on the grounds of Government House.

On Wednesday, Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty and Premier Scott Moe announced plans for the permanent monument.

“I’m very pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan is creating this important monument at Government House in Regina,” Mirasty said in a media release.

“The monument will be part of the healing journey, and I look forward to continuing my ongoing conversations with Elders and Knowledge Keepers as we work together to develop this meaningful and lasting tribute.”

Moe credited Mirasty with helping push for the construction of the monument, which the premier called an “important gesture of reconciliation.”

“May it serve as a site for reflection, conversation, celebration and education, and most importantly as a place for healing,” Moe said.

The construction of the monument was among the recommendations in the report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It suggested building a publicly accessible, highly visible residential schools monument in each capital city to honour survivors and all the children who were taken into the system.

Further details about the monument are to be released after Mirasty speaks with residential school survivors, their families and Indigenous elders.

According to the federal government, more than 150,000 Indigenous children were taken from their families and communities to attend residential schools when the system was in operation. The commission estimates about 20 such schools operated in Saskatchewan between the 1880s and 1990s.