Saint Joseph's Indian Residential School MemorialDigital Doors Open Thunder Bay
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Surrounded by gardens, a large granite memorial stone sits atop a medicine wheel. The affixed plaque shares the message of the Saint Joseph’s Indian Residential School, once located alongside this site. Unveiled on June 5, 2019 (in partnership with and Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the City of Thunder Bay Aboriginal Liaison Office, with representatives of Fort William First Nation, the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre and the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board), this memorial serves to honour the survivors and to remember the children who didn’t go home. It is also a means to educate the community about residential schools. During the unveiling ceremony, educator and Order of Ontario appointee Dolores Wawia – a former Saint Joseph's student – shared her experiences while at the residential school. Residential schools operated for over 150 years throughout Canada. By removing children from the influence of their own culture, this means of assimilation by the Canadian government and churches has left behind a legacy of damage that is still felt today. Listen to Senator Murray Sinclair as he discusses the Residential School system and Reconciliation.
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Arthur Street near Franklin StreetThunder Bay, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 2019Building type:Historical landmark