Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth Extends Deepest Condolences to Star Blanket Cree Nation

January 12, 2023

SASKATOON – Today Lisa Broda, the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth, and staff, are saddened to hear of the discovery of an unidentified child’s remains that relate to the time of and on the site of a former residential school on the Star Blanket Cree Nation. The office further acknowledges the other numerous and significant anomalies found by ground penetrating radar and the project team, and the ongoing and emotionally challenging work that lies ahead.

“Our hearts go out to the community members of Star Blanket Cree Nation and all those impacted by these unsettling revelations. We can only hope these discoveries provide more information about children and loved ones who never came home and also help the ongoing healing process for Star Blanket First Nation and all nations who are left with the tragic consequences of residential schools,” stated Lisa Broda.

The Advocate for Children and Youth office continues to encourage Canadians to be aware of the history of residential schools, and the many calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that have yet to be implemented, including those meant to address the lack of information about the burial of missing children who never came home from residential school.

“Since 2021 we have learned about several disturbing burial discoveries on or near former residential school sites involving children, and it continues to be disheartening as more of this country’s dark history is, and will continue to be, exposed over the next several months and years,” stated Lisa Broda.

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Media Contact:

Karen Topolinski,
Manager, Communications and Public Education
[email protected]

NT5