Exploring UNESCO Heritage Site Designation for Residential Schools in Canada
Stewards explore potential of UNESCO heritage site designation for residential schools

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Site stewards of former residential schools in Canada are advocating for UNESCO World Heritage Site designation to preserve these sites and honor the experiences of survivors. The initiative aims to foster cultural revitalization and combat denialism surrounding the history of residential schools.
- 01Stewards from former residential schools convened at the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, Ontario, to discuss UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.
- 02Cody Groat, project lead, emphasized the importance of reclaiming and revitalizing cultural practices at these sites.
- 03Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Chief Rosanne Casimir highlighted the need to share the painful legacy of residential schools internationally.
- 04Cynthia Desjarlais, a survivor, stated that the designation would serve as proof of the experiences endured by survivors.
- 05The National Bank has committed up to $2 million to support the designation process.
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Last week, site stewards of former residential schools across Canada gathered at the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, Ontario, to explore the possibility of proposing these sites for UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. This initiative, led by Cody Groat, aims to apply 'international peer pressure' to ensure the preservation of these culturally significant locations. Groat emphasized that the designation would not only acknowledge the painful histories associated with residential schools but also support cultural revitalization efforts by Indigenous communities. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Chief Rosanne Casimir noted the importance of sharing these histories on an international platform, particularly in light of rising residential school denialism. Cynthia Desjarlais, a survivor, echoed the sentiment, asserting that the designation would provide tangible proof of the experiences faced by survivors. The National Bank has pledged up to $2 million to facilitate this process, with initial funding of $500,000 already allocated. The conversation is timely, as Canada is due to update its World Heritage tentative list in 2027, and Groat anticipates that a nomination for residential schools could take several years to draft.
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The UNESCO designation could enhance the preservation of residential school sites, fostering cultural revitalization and education about Indigenous histories.
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