Invitation to the ICMP to visit Pimicikamak to aid search for mass graves

The Liberal government is currently sunsetting the program to fund residential schools this March. This is a worrying development, and flies in the face of the Liberals’ commitment to Reconciliation.

Dear Ms. Bomberger,

I am writing to you today in relation to the International Commission on Missing Persons work on uncovering mass graves at residential school sites, particularly on Pimicikamak Cree Nation. I’ve appreciated your organization’s past work and support towards the search for potential mass graves.

Families and Indigenous communities across the country expect Reconciliation from a government that continues to neglect the injustices that they have committed. First Nations can no longer wait on the Liberal Government to act on the Calls to Action; they’ve already been waiting 8 years.

I ask that with the permission of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief you come and visit Cross Lake during the week of March 18^th, 2024 to tour the potential mass graves from past residential schools in the area.

It is urgent that you come to the community as soon as possible as the Liberal government is currently sunsetting the program to fund these searches this March. This is a worrying development, and flies in the face of the Liberals’ commitment to Reconciliation. Neglect is not a way to reconcile with the many families and communities that are still waiting for truth and justice from a country that so fundamentally failed them.

I am urging you to come and tour the site of St Joseph’s Residential school on Pimicikamak Cree Nation. I appreciate your cooperation in helping First Nations uncover the truth about their lost loved ones.

Sincerely,

MP Niki Ashton (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski)