Residential Schools: Part 05 The Unmarked Graves & Ongoing Impact

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In May 2021, the world was forced to reckon with what Indigenous communities in Canada had known for generations: children never came home from residential schools. This episode begins with the discovery of unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School and continues with similar findings across the country—each one a painful confirmation of long-told truths.

We explore the emotional, cultural, and political impact of these discoveries, and how they’ve reignited conversations around truth, justice, and accountability. We also highlight how Indigenous communities are reclaiming their histories, lands, languages, and sacred ceremonies as acts of resistance and survival.

Through the voices of Survivors, we reflect on intergenerational trauma, resilience, and the path forward. What does meaningful reconciliation look like today—and what role must settlers play in that process?

This episode contains discussions of colonial violence, loss, and trauma. Please listen with care. Support resources are below:

Resources

94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconcilliation Commission

21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph

Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga

They Called Me Number One by Bev Sellars

We Were Children

The Secret Path

Missing and Murdered

All My Relations

Need Support?
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24/7 to survivors and their families: 1-866-925-4419 (Canada).

Thank you for listening with care. Truth must come before reconciliation.

🌱 PayYourRent.ca is an Indigenous-led grassroots initiative calling on settlers to engage in ongoing, voluntary financial redistribution in support of Indigenous land defenders, sovereignty, and community well-being.

This foundation supports urgent needs like housing, food security, legal defense, and cultural revitalization—all grounded in the principle that land back also means resource back.

If you live, work, or benefit from life on stolen land, consider learning more or making a monthly contribution at PayYourRent.ca.

Justice isn’t a moment—it’s a commitment.

Edited by Kyle McDonnell