Marieval Indian Residential

Dear colleagues and students,

The news of the discovery of 751 unmarked graves near the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan is a reminder of the generational impact these schools had, and continue to have, on Indigenous communities.

An authentic commitment to reconciliation requires understanding and respect and this news reminds us to reflect and learn how we can, each in our own way, acknowledge the past, as we look to a more positive future.   As Indigenous communities seek to heal, it is an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to learning. We encourage employees and students to discover more about Canada’s shared history with Indigenous peoples as we strive to fulfill the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Members of the Durham College community may be struggling as a result of the recent discoveries in both Saskatchewan and British Columbia. If you need assistance, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to help former residential school survivors, their families, and those affected at 1.866.925.4419.

Support can also be accessed through the services listed below.

For students:

For employees:

  • Morneau Shepell services can be accessed 24/7 by phone at 1.844.880.9142, TTY at 1.877.338.0275 or online at workhealthlife.com.
  • The First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC) including:
    • One-on-one support with Indigenous Coaches;
    • Access to Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers; and
    • Information and referral to services to local Indigenous community organizations.
    • Email indigenous@durhamcollege.ca.

 

Further learning

You are encouraged to register for the DC Indigenous Histories and Reconciliation Modules located under the self-registration tab on DC Connect and to participate in an Indigenous Learning Circle which you may register for by visiting the DC Training Registration (VPN must be turned on to access this link) calendar.