How did the Canadian government respond to the discovery of unmarked graves at residential schools in 2021?

The discovery of unmarked graves at residential schools in Canada was a devastating revelation, and it prompted the Canadian government to take action. The residential school system was established by the Canadian government in the 19th century to assimilate Indigenous children into Canadian society. Many children were taken from their families and forced to attend these schools, where they suffered physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

In 2021, the remains of more than 1,300 Indigenous children were discovered in unmarked graves on the grounds of former residential schools. The discovery was made possible by the use of ground-penetrating radar.

The Canadian government responded to the discovery by committing to fund searches for unmarked graves at other residential school sites. The government also promised to provide financial support to Indigenous communities to help them identify and commemorate the children who died at residential schools.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized to Indigenous peoples for the government's role in the residential school system and pledged to continue working to address the harms caused by the system. The government also pledged to implement the 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which was established to address the legacy of the residential school system.