MN–S Vice President Michelle LeClair (Left) during side event. (Submitted Photo/MN–S)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Wanting Recognition

Métis Nation discusses Île-à-la-Crosse Residential School with people from across globe

Apr 20, 2023 | 5:00 PM

The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is hoping to gain international advocates in its quest to help get the Île-à-la-Crosse Residential School properly recognized.

Thousands are in New York this week taking part in the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).

The MN–S ended up holding its own side event on Monday, where three survivors from Île-à-la-Crosse, Elder Antoinette LaFleur, Elder Emile Janvier, and Louis Gardiner, shared their stories with people from multiple different countries.

MN–S Vice President Michelle LeClair along with survivors Elder Antoinette LaFleur, Elder Emile Janvier, Louis Gardiner, and Mike Natomagan. (Submitted Photo/MN–S)

Michelle LeClair, the Vice President of the MN–S, told paNOW they did this since the federal and provincial governments won’t recognize the school and compensate its survivors.

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“Their feet need to be held to the fire when it comes to acknowledgment.”

According to Waddell Phillips PC, a law firm out of Toronto, the school hasn’t been recognized as the federal government claims it was run by the Roman Catholic Mission and not them. This has led to a lawsuit from survivors, who are looking to be acknowledged and properly compensated just like survivors from other schools.

LeClair explained they’re doing anything they can to help get the Île-à-la-Crosse Residential School recognized as fast as possible. This is because more and more survivors continue to pass away. In just the past couple of days, two survivors – one from Île-à-la-Crosse and the other from Buffalo Narrows – passed away.

“It’s just so sad,” she said.

Meanwhile, LeClair added they received a lot of support for their cause.

She explained they also spoke with people from Australia and New Zealand, who told them that they are aiming to follow Canada’s path when it comes to reconciliation. While she was happy to hear this, there was also some frustration.

“When there is a school, that is one of the oldest in Canada, that has not been acknowledged or recognized, that doesn’t speak well for Canada and reconciliation,” LeClair said.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow