On July 19th, Provincial NDP leader, Wab Kinew, visited with community members and leadership from Sandy Bay First Nation.
During Kinew's drop-in, the community discussed searching the grounds of the former Sandy Bay Residential School site for potential unmarked graves at a meeting.
Kinew broke down his visit and the discussions that took place,
"The community's Chief and Council hosted a feast, to kind of check-in with in the community members if that's something that they want to do, and if they move ahead, what are some of the things the community would like to see come out of it."
Manitobas NDP leader continued, "They have been talking to researchers from the U of M, and many of those folks came out, and were discussing with the leadership about what a search might look like."
When asked about what he would like to see moving forward with Residential Schools across the province and nation, Kinew said;
"I think it's important that we continue to support the communities to search these sites. But I think it's really important that the community leads it. So, for instance, like with Sandy Bay, I do think it's important for that community to make the call themselves. It shouldn't be folks from the outside making the decision."
Kinew continued, "Overall, I think as long as the community is supportive of it, and their wishes are respected. I think this is an important step in us bringing about some closure for the people directly affected, and then hopefully some education on Canada's history for all the rest of us."
In closing, Mr. Kinew shared his anecdotes from his experience in Sandy Bay.
"All in all, I think the communities chief and council are going about it the right way, and it seems like they have the support of the community wants to help out, where it goes next is just a matter of carrying forward that process. In a good way."
This potential search comes as multiple mass graves across the country have been identified at former Residential School sites, starting with the 215 bodies found in Kamloops, BC, back on May 21st.
