N.L. taking direction from Indigenous leaders on examining former residential schools, says premier

WARNING: This story contains distressing details.

The government of Newfoundland and Labrador has signalled that it's open to examining former residential school sites, and will be taking direction from Indigenous leaders, according to Premier Andrew Furey.

The discovery of the remains of 215 children buried at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C., has sparked calls for governmentsacross the country to investigate other locations.

On Tuesday, at the House of Assembly, NDPLabrador West MHAJordan Brown askedFureyif he would commit to an immediate review of all residential schools and orphanage sites in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Lisa Dempsterresponded, saying the government is committed to discussing the issue with Indigenous leaders.

Dempstertold reporters after question period she spent Sunday speaking with Indigenous leaders about the discovery in B.C., and said the province is willing to survey those sites, but there hasn't been a formal request.

"We're not closing doors to this. We need to just see where the people most impacted, what direction they want to take," Dempster told reporters.

When asked directly by reporters if he would commit to investigating former residential schools in Newfoundland and Labrador, Fureydidn'tsay, but notedhe'll be havinga call with Indigenous leaders later this week, something he said takes place each week.

"I'lltake my direction from them," Furey said.

"It's an incredibly sad, tragic day in Canadian history and Newfoundland and Labrador is not divorced from that. We have a responsibility amongst us all to reflect on the tragedies in our own residential schools and orphanages."

Furey said whatever actions come up during the call, the province is "willing to act," and there will be an update this week.

The premier said the province is still planning to apologize to residential school survivors, something former premier Dwight Ball committed to in 2017 but never fulfilled.

Furey said it's something he tried to do "immediately after taking over," but in speaking with Indigenous leaders the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a"major barrier" which would have diminished the moment. Furey said waiting a few extra months, or even a year, will allow the apology to be done correctly.

"This is such an important apology, and one that I'm willing to make," he said.

Also on Tuesday Furey said the province is "very hopeful" the inquiry into Innu children inthe Newfoundland and Labrador child care systemwill begin this year. Money was set aside for the inquiry in this year's budget.

Support is available for anyone affected by their experience at residential schools, and those who are triggered by the latest reports.

A national Indian Residential School crisis line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour line: 1-866-925-4419.

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