Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan Mary Culbertson, and members of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner team were honoured to attend the second “National Gathering on Unmarked Burials: Addressing Trauma in the Search and Recovery of Missing Children” in Winnipeg this week.

The event, which finished Nov. 30, was hosted by the Independent Special Interlocutor, in partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

It was about addressing trauma and healing during the search and recovery of missing residential school children.

“Coming together to heal and having support and resources to do this is such an important part of this process,” said Commissioner Culbertson.

“The residential school system is about the failed Treaty promise of education; we need solidarity to heal, especially during recovery work.”

Senator Murray Sinclair, chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, spoke as the key note on Monday about unresolved grief, community trauma, and the power of people helping one another to heal.

If you are a Survivor and need emotional support, a national crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-866-925-4419. Emotional, cultural and professional support services are also available to Survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. Services can be accessed on an individual, family or group basis.