Survivors' Secretariat

06/13/2026

Unearthing the truth about residential schools goes beyond digging up potential mass graves, experts say - Investigative Journalism Foundation

In a recent article, Survivors’ Secretariat researchers Dr. Scott Hamilton and Laura Arndt explain why technologies such as ground-penetrating radar are only one part of the work. Survivor testimony, archival records, historical research, and community-led decision-making remain essential to understanding what happened to missing children. Through archival research alone, the Survivors’ Secretariat has identified 105 known child deaths associated with the Mohawk Institute.

The Survivors’ Secretariat continues to advocate for a trauma-informed, Indigenous-led approach that respects Survivors, families, and communities while working to uncover the truth.

Photo Cred: Investigative Journalism Foundation

Read more: https://survivorssecretariat.ca/news/in-the-news/

06/12/2026

Searches for unmarked burials at the former Mohawk Institute continue to face funding barriers and limited resources, witnesses told an international tribunal in Montreal.

In a recent CBC article, Survivors’ Secretariat lead Laura Arndt says access to residential school records remains a major challenge, and that reductions in federal funding in recent years have impacted the organization’s ability to continue ground searches.

Archaeologist Dr. Scott Hamilton said the scale of the work is vast and increasingly constrained by limited resources. “We have to stare Survivors in the face and say we're not likely going to be able to do this, not because there's a loss of will on our part, we simply don't have the resources and tools to continue this kind of work,” he said.

Hamilton and Arndt both pointed to the broader impacts of funding shortages on ground searches and organizations, including how it can fuel residential school denialism.

Read more: https://survivorssecretariat.ca/news/in-the-news/

06/12/2026

On World Day Against Child Labour, the Survivors’ Secretariat recognizes the global call to end child exploitation and protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all children.

This day also calls attention to histories where children were subjected to forced and exploitative labour within institutions such as the Indian Residential School system.

At the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School, Survivors’ records document children being placed in unsafe conditions and performing manual and domestic labour throughout much of the school day, work that was used to generate institutional profit. Archival records also reflect a pattern of serious injuries and harm experienced by children up until the institution’s closure in 1970, despite the Ontario’s Adolescent School Attendance Act having raised the compulsory school age to 16 in 1921, and that most provinces had legally restricted children under 14 from working in factories and mines.

Roberta Hill, Survivor of the Mohawk Institute, reflected on her lived experience during a Q&A at the Lambton Shores Indigenous Film Festival, stating: “We had nobody in there to protect us.”

These physical injuries, and abuse combined with minimal oversight and lack of parental involvement, reflect the broader pattern of abuse, neglect, and trauma experienced by children at the Mohawk Institute.

On this day, we honour Survivors and reaffirm the importance of truth-telling, accountability, and ensuring that the rights and safety of all children are upheld.

Support Survivor-led work in truth, justice, and healing. To learn more or donate, please visit: www.survivorssecretariat.ca

We recognize this information may be upsetting to some, if you require immediate support, please contact:

The Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 to access toll-free, counselling and crisis intervention. Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419) is available for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their Indian Residential School experience.

06/11/2026

A recent APTN News article featured Stolen Childhoods, an exhibition sharing Survivor stories from the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School (“the Mush Hole”) in Brantford, Ontario.

The exhibit was developed by the Survivors’ Secretariat’s Researcher & Data Librarian, Mika Patterson. It was launched alongside the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal in Montreal, an international forum examining evidence related to genocide and crimes against humanity related to Canada’s Indian Residential School system.

In a video captured by APTN, Survivors of the Mohawk Institute Diane Hill, and Lonnie Johnson describe their reaction to seeing the exhibit and their lived experiences upon arriving at the Institute. Other survivors, including Audrey Hill, contributed testimony throughout the exhibit, helping these truths to be seen, heard and understood.

The exhibit is a travelling installation, bringing Survivor voices into communities and public spaces; the fabric version of this exhibit is currently on display at the Oakville Museum Coach House throughout June.

Open: June 11–13, 18–19, 21, and 26–28

Time: 1:00–4:30 p.m.

Location: Oakville Museum Coach House, 8 Navy Street

To read the full news article, please visit: https://survivorssecretariat.ca/news/in-the-news/

If this news article brings up difficult feelings, support is available. The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is open 24/7 at 1 (866) 925-4419—you are not alone.

06/11/2026

The fabric version of Stolen Childhoods will be on display at the Oakville Museum Coach House throughout June. Through Survivor testimony, archival records, photographs, and historical text, Indian Residential School Survivors share their lived experiences and the history of the Mohawk Institute, known to Survivors as the "Mush Hole."

Open: June 11–13, 18–19, 21, and 26–28
Time: 1:00–4:30 p.m.
Location: Oakville Museum Coach House, 8 Navy Street

For more information, visit: survivorssecretariat.ca/stolen-childhoods

Stolen Childhoods, a travelling exhibit curated and organized by the Survivors' Secretariat, opens this Thursday, June 4 in the Coach House.

The exhibit explores the lived experiences of children at the Mohawk Institute Residential School, and the lasting impacts of Canada’s Residential School system. The Mohawk Institute operated for more than 140 years, during which around 15,000 Indigenous children were forced through its doors under government authority.

Through photographs, archival records, and Survivor testimony, the exhibit serves as a tool for education, remembrance, and advocacy.

Open June 4-7, 11-13, 18-19, 21 and 26-28
1 to 4:30 p.m.
Oakville Museum Coach House
8 Navy Street

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

The Survivors’ Secretariat was invited to host an information booth at the 2026 OCSTA Indigenous Leads Conference hosted by the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board and the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA).

For organizations like the Survivors’ Secretariat, participating in these spaces can help ensure Survivor-led truths, histories, and ongoing impacts are directly shared with educators and institutional representatives. It also creates opportunities to advocate for accountability, public education, honest dialogue, and respectful relationships moving forward.

This gathering also included opportunities to engage with local community spaces and cultural learning experiences, including tours of the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School, a Longhouse visit at Kayanase, a traditional Hodinöso:ni social, and engagement with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Nia:weh, Miigwetch, Thank you to the organizers, hosts, attendees, and all those who contributed to this meaningful gathering. The Survivors’ Secretariat is grateful for the opportunity to participate, share the work of Survivors, and to continue building relationships grounded in mutual respect, honest dialogue, and reconciliation.

06/09/2026

The Survivors’ Secretariat hosts and supports a variety of events and activities to engage with community members and share Survivor-led initiatives.

At outreach events, smudge sprays, pins, and Orange Shirts are also sold to help support the organization. Every action matters, and by engaging in these ways, you are supporting Survivors on the journey of truth-telling and reconciliation.

Most recently, Brantford Native Housing hosted an event with the Secretariat and Mohawk Institute Survivors to support intergenerational discussions and connections. Youth and elders came together to build relationships and share knowledge across generations.

Continue exploring our Community Outreach Q&A series to learn about Survivor-led initiatives, community engagement, and the ongoing work of the Survivors’ Secretariat.

To learn more about our work, or to donate please visit: www.survivorssecretariat.ca

06/06/2026

June 6 is Blue Jean Jacket Day, a day created to help raise awareness for Indigenous men and boys who experience violence, trafficking, and exploitation, realities that are too often overlooked.

While days like Red Dress Day have helped bring attention to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, this day reminds us that Indigenous men, boys, and Two-Spirit people must also be included in conversations about safety, justice, and healing.

First organized in 2023 in Edmonton by advocates Stephanie Harpe and April Eve, Blue Jean Jacket Day is about showing up, speaking out, and standing in solidarity with Indigenous families and communities.

Wearing a blue jean jacket on June 6 may seem small, but it carries meaning. It helps spark important conversations, honours those impacted, and shows support for those continuing to seek justice and safety.

How to take part:
• Wear a blue jean jacket or something blue
• Take time to learn and share information

This day also calls us to recognize the ongoing impacts of colonial systems, including the Indian Residential School system, which disrupted families and communities and contributed to the vulnerabilities that many Indigenous peoples still face today.

To read more about Jean Jacket Day, please visit: Jean Jacket Day 2025: https://connections.ncsa.ca/resources/283/

06/04/2026

For seniors happening June 15 at Chiefswood Park free registration

🍓 Strawberry Teachings 🍓

Join the Senior Support Hub for a special Self-Care Monday focused on guided imagery exercises facilitated by cultural advisor Rod Miller.

🗓 Monday, June 15, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

📍 Chiefswood Park – Lower Pavilion

Take some time for yourself, connect with others, and enjoy a morning centered around wellness, reflection, and self-care. 🌿

📞 Register today: 519-445-4481

✨ Free entry | Space is limited