Indigenous Peoples in North America--Canada--Residential schools

Bernice Logan (nee. Mason) was a staff member at two residential schools. Bernice taught at All Saints Residential School school in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan from 1949-1952. She taught at Shingwauk in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario from 1952-1955. In the early 2000s Bernice Logan formed a group called the Association of Former Indian Residential School Workers.

The National Residential School Survivors Society (NRSSS) emerged as a result of an informal gathering of residential school survivors groups in August 2003. At this meeting it was identified that survivors needed a national voice and thus the concept of a national organization to represent survivors was initiated. In September 2005 National Residential School Survivors’ Society (NRSSS) became Incorporated as a non-profit organization. The purpose of NRSSS is to establish a National Organization designed and driven by First Nations Survivors of Residential Schools of Canada. NRSS aims to provide a National non political voice for survivors’ concerns and interests; to support, promote and enhance healing and reconciliation; and to promote awareness within our communities and mainstream Canada. Additionally, NRSS is working to establish working relationships with local, regional, and National First Nations, Inuit and Metis, political groups, the Federal Government, Regional Survivor Groups, and Churches.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) is an Aboriginal political organization that represents 49 First Nation communities within the territory of James Bay Treaty 9 and the Ontario portions of Treaty 5. NAN territory covers two-thirds of Ontario and spans 210,000 square miles. The approximate population of NAN is 45,000 members. The people of Nishnawbe Aski traditionally speak Ojibway, Cree, and Ojicree. Nishnawbe Aski Nation (known as Grand Council Treaty 9 until 1983) was established in 1973 as the regional organization representing the political, social and economic interests of the people of Northern Ontario. In 1977, Grand Council Treaty 9 made a public declaration of the rights and principles of Nishnawbe Aski. NAN's four member elected Executive Council together with individual NAN First Nation Chiefs, advocate on behalf of the people and communities of Nishnawbe Aski to ensure a better quality of life.

Yvonne Still was a consultant of the Shingwauk Project, "Remember the Children" project. Yvonne has been very involved with the National Residential School Survivors Society (NRSSS). She has held various positions with the NRSSS including secretary and interim executive director.

Wilhemina (Southwind) Bennett is a member of Sagamok Anishawbek First Nation.

The 1981 Shingwauk reunion was the first of a number of reunions of the the students, staff, clergy, and descents of those involved with the Shingwauk and Wawanosh Indian Residential Schools. The three day reunion saw 350-450 participants gather for homecoming and renewal. The reunion was organized through the efforts of the Shingwauk Project and what would become the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA). The reunion was held at the former Shingwauk school in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. The reunion aimed to help facilitate healing, communication, and a growing support network of survivors. Shingwauk reunions were held again in 1991, 1996, 2000, 2002, and 2006.

The 1991 Shingwauk reunion was the second of a number of reunions of the students, staff, clergy, and descendants of those involved with the Shingwauk and Wawanosh Indian Residential Schools. The 1991 reunion also marked the 160th Anniversary of Chief Shingwauk's Vision. This four day reunion brought participants from as far away as Elkhorn Indian Residential School. The reunion was organized through the efforts of the Shingwauk Project and what would become the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA). The reunion was held at the former Shingwauk school in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. The reunion aimed to help facilitate healing, communication, and a growing support network of survivors. Shingwauk reunions were also held in 1981, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2006, and 2011.