Akwesasne, September 27, 2024 – The Seaway International Bridge Corporation (SIBC), a subsidiary of The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited, is deeply honoured to have been invited by the Akwesasne community and the Kateri Prayer Circle to participate in the installation of a memorial dedicated to survivors of residential and boarding schools at the Seaway International Bridge. This initiative was led by the Akwesasne Kateri Prayer Circle, the St. Regis Mission Church and the broader Akwesasne community.
The monument, inscribed with the message “Every Child Matters”, serves as a powerful tribute to those who suffered, prospered and were separated from their families, communities and culture due to the Residential and Boarding School system. Funded by the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, the memorial stands as a symbol of resilience, remembrance and the ongoing journey toward healing.
(L-R) Kimberly Walsh, Arch Diocese Ottawa Cornwall, Roy Thompson, SIBC Maintenance, Blain Thompson, SIBC Maintenance, Bernice Lazore, Kateri Prayer Circle President, Jody Wheeler, SIBC Projects and Maintenance, Rose Alma McDonald, Consultant, SIBC Maintenance, Natalie Kinloch, SIBC Chair of the Board of Directors, and Marc Chénier, SIBC Bridge Director pose behind the newly installed memorial on September 23, 2024. (SIBC)
“We are deeply grateful to the Akwesasne community for including us in this meaningful project,” said Natalie Kinloch, Chair of the Board of Directors at SIBC. “This memorial is a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging the past and moving forward together towards reconciliation.”
The completion of the memorial involved community leaders, workers and supporters who gathered for a photo opportunity, marking a significant step in commemorating this painful chapter in history while celebrating the strength and perseverance of those who endured it.
SIBC is committed to supporting initiatives that foster community healing and promote understanding. This project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of honouring shared memories.
For more information:
Marc Chénier, Bridge Director
The Seaway International Bridge Corporation, Ltd.
