News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, THURSDAY MAY 19, 2022 – Member of Parliament for Labrador, Yvonne Jones made the following statement. “I am very disheartened and disappointed in the comments made on CBC Labrador by MHA Lela Evans regarding residential schools in Labrador. I know many survivors of these institutions who suffer trauma and so does their children. Their experience should never be minimized or disregarded. My heart breaks for them every day as they tell their truths, address the emotional and physical harm they experienced. In Labrador there were four institutions and there was one in St. Anthony Newfoundland where many Labrador children were sent including my mother.

I appreciate that MHA Evans has apologized, while I accept her apology, I encourage her to learn the history of all Labradorians their struggles and challenges, their culture and ancestry. If we are to be a catalyst for change as leaders, we must first understand our own communities and cultures and always tell the truths of who we are.

To all survivors of residential schools in Newfoundland and Labrador know that we hold you and support you.”

Quick Facts:

• Lockwood School: April 1, 1949 - June 30, 1964 (Cartwright, Labrador)
• Makkovik Boarding School: April 1, 1949 – June 30, 1960 (Makkovik, Labrador)
• Nain Boarding School: April 1, 1949 – June 30, 1973 (Nain, Labrador)
• Anthony Orphanage and Boarding School: April 1, 1949 – June 30, 1979 (St. Anthony, Newfoundland)
• Yale School: April 1, 1949 – June 30, 1980 (Northwest River, Labrador)

Associated links:

To listen to the comments made by MHA Lela Evan’ go to 1:01:10 on https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-31-labrador-morning/clip/15913370-how-power-drill-saved-teenagers-life-rescheduled-surgery

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Contacts

Megan Leona McGrath

Communications Lead and Special Assistant

[email protected]