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This letter was delivered to a band councilor at Friday's memorial gathering:

Chief Rosanne Casimir,

It is with great sorrow that I learned about the discovery of graves near the former Indian Residential School. I cannot fathom the pain of your people… having their children taken from them to never return home. I cannot comprehend the indignity of leaving these children in unmarked graves as if they could be erased or forgotten.  

I am saddened that my own Christian denominations had a role in the Indian Residential Schools and its program of assimilation. I pray for the healing of your people and look for that day when sorrow is overcome by joy.  

With respect,

Rev. Steve Filyk Minister,
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church