Winnipeg Commemorates Former Assiniboia Residential School with Plaque Unveiling
The former Assiniboia Residential School in Winnipeg is being formally commemorated for its historical significance and tragic legacy. On Tuesday, federal officials and members of a survivors and families group unveiled three plaques at the school's former site on Academy Road. The ceremony acknowledged the painful truths of the residential school system and honored survivors nationwide.
A History of the Assiniboia Residential School
The Assiniboia Residential School operated from 1958 to 1973. It was administered by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Grey Nuns of Montreal. The school faced numerous challenges including overcrowding, inadequate fire safety, and sanitation issues, ultimately leading to its closure.
According to Winnipeg South Centre MP Ben Carr, the newly unveiled plaques serve to both commemorate the tragic history of the federally funded institution and pay tribute to residential school survivors across the country. Carr emphasized the importance of reconciliation, stating, "These painful truths remind us how important it is to walk hand in hand along the shared path of reconciliation."
Efforts Towards Truth and Reconciliation
Prior to this week's unveiling, the Assiniboia Residential School Legacy Group installed a monument and interpretive panels at the site in 2022. Toni Kipling, the group's executive director, views the plaques as another crucial step in preventing historical repetition. She noted, "Our relatives and ancestors have a fire spirit within them. This fire provided the strength, resilience and love to endure the pain and injustices while they were uprooted and forced to attend residential schools."
The school's commemoration aligns with Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemorations. The school is among 2,200 sites across Canada that received recognition through the program.
Remembering the Past, Looking to the Future
The events in Winnipeg are part of an ongoing national effort to address the legacy of residential schools and advance truth and reconciliation. The acknowledgment of the pain endured by Indigenous children within the residential school system is a crucial step toward healing and preventing future injustices.
| Key Entity | Details |
|---|---|
| Assiniboia Residential School | Operated in Winnipeg from 1958-1973 |
| Oblates of Mary Immaculate & Grey Nuns of Montreal | Organizations administering the school |
| Assiniboia Residential School Legacy Group | Organization behind monument and plaque installations |
NOTE: The residential school system is a topic that may cause trauma invoked by memories of past abuse. The Government of Canada recognizes the need for safety measures to minimize the risk associated with triggering. A National Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students. You can access information on the website or access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.
