Nisoonag Partnership
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The Bringing Home Our Children Initiative is being undertaken by the Nisoonag Partnership, representing Serpent River First Nation, Sagamok Anishnawbek, and Mississauga First Nation. This Initiative is being led Independently by the three nations and is unrelated to other projects.
This Initiative was brough forward after the findings on May 28th, 2021 by the Tk’emlups te Secwepmc First Nation who announced its preliminary findings of 215 burial sites at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. In response to the announcement, The Nisoonag Partnership has taken the lead to search for children who attended the former Spanish Residential Schools (St. Peter Claver School for Boys, St. Joseph School for Girls and Garnier College) and map the locations of unmarked burials. The initiative will also establish healing supports for Students, create a historical record for each Student, and support the memorialization and commemoration of the children who never made it home. This process will be guided by the Elders and Students of the Spanish Residential Schools.
Message from the Chiefs
“It’s time to bring accountability to the forefront. Our Survivors, our people, our children have suffered long enough. We can’t continue the horrifying history in our colonial history in Canada. It’s time to give our children a voice. It’s time to amplify the voice of our Survivors. It’s time for truth, for the entire truth. Our communities are coming together in shared hope, to find the truth, and start a process of healing and understanding. Together, we will bring our children home, taking our time to ensure our Elders, Survivors, and communities are cared for. I am grateful to Sagamok Anishinabek and Mississauga First Nation for sharing this responsibility. There is lots of work ahead, but we are committed to taking our time, ensuring no one is left behind and all voices are heard.”
– Serpent River First Nation Chief, Brent Bissaillion