The federal government has announced $4.88-million for the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and its 74 First Nations to help in the search for the bodies of missing children from residential schools.

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister, Carolyn Bennett, acknowledges the ongoing impact of the inter-generational trauma from these schools, and
promises the children will not be forgotten.

She says the Truth and Reconciliation Commission estimated 566 Saskatchewan children died in residential schools, but the TRC also acknowledged the real number is probably much higher.

FSIN Second Vice-Chief David Pratt notes that Saskatchewan has some of the highest numbers of survivors in the country.

Pratt says the FSIN will work with its member nations which had residential schools, and he understands the the Muskowekwan First Nation, and Star Blanket and Onion Lake Cree Nations are ready to get started.

The funding will go toward developing community plans, identifying burial sites, engaging with the diocese from these schools, and providing ceremonies to honour the children.

(CJWW)