A final report into missing children and unmarked graves at residential schools is calling on the federal government to create an Indigenous-led national commission with a 20-year mandate to investigate missing and disappeared Indigenous children.
Kimberly Murray, who has been serving as Canada’s special interlocutor on unmarked graves for two years, released her final report Tuesday in Gatineau, Que., during a gathering with Indigenous residential school survivors and experts from across the country.
Sitting on the stage behind an empty chair meant to honour and remember children who never made it home from residential schools, Murray spoke sombrely about her work and the impact it has had over the duration of her tenure.
She said the commission must reflect Indigenous Peoples’ sovereignty, be governed by Indigenous laws and examine the systemic patterns of genocide and crimes against humanity. Its mandate should be no less than 20 years.
“Canada has legal …