Mount Saint Vincent University. (CREDIT: MSVU)
Mount Saint Vincent University says it’s sorry for its connection to Canada’s residential school system.
The school held a ceremony of apology and commitment on Wednesday with Indigenous community leaders, including residential school survivors.
Interim University President Dr. Ramona Lumpkin says the Sisters of Charity Halifax, the founders and previous owners of the Mount, had members who staffed the Shubenacadie Residential School.
It was the only residential school in the Maritimes and operated from 1930 to 1967.
Members also had ties to the Cranbrook Residential School in British Columbia, which operated from 1890 to 1970.
Lumpkin says the legacy of these schools continue to have an impact on survivors.
“Theirs is an immeasurable suffering that has left a legacy for subsequent generations,” Lumpkin says. “MSVU is deeply sorry for our role in the tragedy of residential schools.”
She says the Mount is making a commitment to improve relationships with Indigenous people.
Some of the actions MSVU will take include expanding financial aid for students, including more Indigenous content in courses across all disciplines, and ensuring the community learns about the harmful effects of racism.
