NDP MPs Idlout & Ashton condemn Liberal cuts to searches for unmarked graves

Liberals plan to move ahead with 85% cut for communities to bring their children home

Hon. Minister Anandasangaree,

We are writing following news that your department will be making cuts to finding unmarked graves of Indigenous children who attended residential schools.

Recent reporting by APTN describes “devastating cuts” amidst a cap on spending for these searches. Indeed, your decision to reduce annual funding from $3,000,000 to $500,000 per community is a cut of more than 85%. This follows your decision to end your department’s relationship with the International Commission on Missing Persons, against the wishes of communities like Cross Lake.

Even worse, it seems this decision was not made in consultation with affected communities. Many communities feel blindsided and disrespected by this decision.

In 2021, your government campaigned to ensure communities have all necessary supports to undertake the search for remains at former residential school sites. Your government acknowledged the enormous amount of work that must be done to provide justice for families and communities. This incredible decision will leave many intergenerational traumas unresolved. Now, after just a few years, it appears your government is backing away from the commitment you made to Survivors and families, who were so deeply affected by the residential school system.

As Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, we expect you to consult with communities, respect their wishes, and ensure the funding they need is made available. This work is incredibly important, and it is part of reconciliation. We expect an answer as soon as possible as to when this wrong will be corrected.

Taimakalauq,

MP Lori Idlout - NDP Critic for Indigenous Services

MP Niki Ashton - NDP Deputy Critic for Indigenous Services