WARNING: Disturbing content

A frustrated former student of the Timber Bay residential school is organizing an awareness walk in hopes of sustained pressure on the federal government to formally recognize the institution.

First Nations leaders and others have been advocating Ottawa, most recently to Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller.

“It’s quite frustrating, because they’re always saying ‘Every Child Matters.’ Oh, what about us then? It’s like we’re just being put aside,” said event organizer Yvonne Mirasty.

The Timber Bay school began operation in 1952.  In 2017, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal ruled that Timber Bay was not a residential school, as it was not government-run. Yet the facility housed children who attended other residential schools.

Northeastern Chiefs met with Miller in February, expressing optimism that Timber Bay would get its recognition. “Canada maintained and has continued to maintain responsibility for the children who were sent off-reserve to Timber Bay Children’s Home for the purposes of education. To be denied this recognition is another abuse that these children continue to endure at the hands of the Canadian governments,” Chief Karen Bird of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation said following that meeting.

The walk is scheduled to take place Saturday at 1PM at the former site of the school in Timber Bay. Mirasty said following the walk, there will be an opportunity for participants to share stories.

“I think the nightmares are starting to reappear for some people because of this recognition. I know, money is not going heal us. But, I want this to be recognized, like all of these people. There were quite a few of us that were there,” explained Mirasty.

Support is available for those affected by their experience at Indian Residential Schools and in reading difficult stories related to residential school.  The Indian Residential School Crisis Line offers emotional and referral services 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419. In Saskatchewan, the Regina Treaty Status Indian Services at 306-522-7494.