Frequently Asked Questions

The position of Special Interlocutor was created following the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada’s engagement with Indigenous leaders across the nation regarding the public recovery of unmarked children’s graves associated with Indian Residential Schools. During these engagement sessions, the importance of an Indigenous-led response was requested to support communities in finding the missing children and unmarked burial sites.

The Independent Special Interlocutor, over the two-year Mandate, will be hosting several National Gatherings. The purpose of the National Gatherings is to bring those leading search and recovery efforts together to discuss the challenges they are facing and to learn about promising practices that are emerging. Input on potential legal mechanisms to protect the burials sites and to identify the missing children is also received.

Survivors, Indigenous families, and communities interested in or already leading searches and investigations for missing children, experts working with communities, Indigenous leadership, and all individuals and organizations wishing to contribute to the Sacred work of honouring the children that were never returned home from Indian Residential Schools and other institutions.

There is no cost to register but registration is required. Information about the search processes for missing children, as well as other critical information, will be made available to attendees. Meals are included during the Gathering. Transportation and accommodations are not included, but registrants will receive information about special hotel rates.