Cowessess First Nation to hold vigil, place 751 lights at unmarked graves tonight - Regina Leader-Post

On Saturday evening, the lights will turn on and the community will hold a moment of silence at 7:51 p.m.

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Regina Leader-Post

Flags mark the spot where the remains of over 750 children were buried on the site of the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Cowessess first Nation, Saskatchewan, June 25, 2021. Photo by GEOFF ROBINS /AFP via Getty Images

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Cowessess First Nation is holding a vigil at the site of the former Marieval Residential School Saturday evening, to honour those found buried there.

During the announcement that evidence of 751 unmarked graves have been located at the site, located on what is now Cowessess First Nation land, Chief Cadmus Delorme said a flag has been left to mark the spots where tombstones should be.

According to a Facebook post from Cowessess Councillor Jonathan Z. Lerat, a group has been at work placing solar lights at each flag. On Saturday evening, the lights will turn on and the community will hold a moment of silence at 7:51 p.m.

The vigil is open to the public, but there will be a capacity limit of 150 and people are asked to wear masks throughout the event.

The vigil starts at 7:30 p.m. with a smudge and prayers in the teepee on site. At 8:30 p.m., a series of speakers will be given time to share. The vigil will wrap up with a viewing of the lights at 9:45 p.m.

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Cowessess First Nation to hold vigil, place 751 lights at unmarked graves tonight - Regina Leader-Post
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