Chiefs of Ontario Call for Action of the Office of the Independent Special Interlocutor’s Final Report

(Toronto, Ont. – October 29, 2024) The Chiefs of Ontario stand in support and solidarity with Kimberly Murray, the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools, as she releases her final report and the Indigenous-led Reparations Framework today at the 7th National Gathering on Unmarked Burials.

The report is the final output from the mandate of the Office of the Independent Special Interlocutor: to identify needed measures and make recommendations for a new federal legal framework to ensure the respectful and culturally appropriate treatment of unmarked graves and burial sites of children at former Indian Residential Schools and associated institutions.

“Today, we support Kim Murray and her effort in creating her extensive, final report,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “Through her effort in engaging First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors, and communities over the last two years, she has provided the Federal Government with the tools needed to make monumental progress in our country’s Reconciliation efforts.”

The final report identifies 42 obligations for the Canadian Government to follow in creating a Reparations Framework with Indigenous-led practices. It also considers the immediate next steps needed for the work to take place, including Murray’s role in these efforts.

“As our team explores the full report and learns from its obligations, we are looking for ways to advocate for tangible actions to come out of its release,” said Benedict. “As we continue our support of First Nations, communities and organizations across Ontario, we will identify the ways to call on the Government to bring change to the country.”

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter/X or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Contact:
Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

NT5