Posted by: OSCA
The OSCA Board, following a recommendation from its newly created Committee of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA), is sending our deepest condolences and sympathies to Indigenous communities as we mourn the remains of children discovered on the sites of Indian Residential Schools.
We were saddened to learn of the many children who died while attending Residential Schools as well as the ongoing impact on the survivors of the horrific system. This recent tragic news highlights the history of shameful mistreatment and cultural genocide, as vividly described by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, sanctioned and funded by the Government of Canada and perpetrated by several religious organizations, which saw Indigenous children forcibly removed from their homes and sent to Residential Schools. We offer our sincerest solidarity as we stand with survivors, their families, and communities.
To help with the identification of possible burial sites and the remains of residents, OSCA also calls for the federal government and religious organizations to be fully accountable and immediately release all archives and records (especially attendance records) in their possession regarding the Residential Schools.
We encourage the exploration of the following links to learn and take action in support of Residential School Survivors and Indigenous communities in Canada.
Learn more truths about Residential School Survivors, families, and communities at nctr.ca.
Learn and donate to the Indian Residential School Survivor Society at www.irsss.ca. Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and demand government action at trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf.
Learn about the work led by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society and planting a Heart Gardens in memory of the children lost to the residential school system and to honour residential survivors, their families, as well as the legacy of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Learn about the Caring Society at fncaringsociety.com/what-you-can-do.
For counseling support to survivors and others who are impacted reach out to The Residential School Survivors Society Emergency Crisis line at 1-800-721-0066
For more information, you may contact Richard Slowikowski, OSCA President: president@oldottawasouth.ca.
Background:
On June 15, 2021, the OSCA Board voted to establish a new committee called the Committee of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA), building on the working group before it, and dedicated to advancing values of diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility within the organization and community. The new Committee will meet monthly on the third Thursday of the month starting on July 15th to discuss ideas and plan activities from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The meetings are also an opportunity to gather and exchange views and experiences of current events and relevant issues. All members of the community are welcome to attend.
You can learn more about the Committee here: www.oldottawasouth.ca/diversity and contact the Committee Chair, Virginia Asante, here: diversityandinclusion@oldottawasouth.ca.