RIIS cemetery visitors now have a place to sit and reflect

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Five men stand behind a yellow bench. Four of the men wear orange work shirts and blue hard hats.

Four new benches now offer visitors a place to sit and reflect at the Regina Indian Industrial School (RIIS) cemetery in west Regina.

Approximately 38 children are buried in this cemetery, in unmarked graves. Today, the site serves as a place of remembrance. Families, survivors and community members visit and honour the children who never returned home.

The RIIS Commemorative Association works to preserve the site’s history. It helps create opportunities for reflection, learning and healing. To support those efforts, SaskEnergy donated four commemorative benches. SaskEnergy’s connection to the site began during gas line construction in the area three years ago.  

The benches are in colours significant to Indigenous peoples — white, yellow, red and blue. They state, “In Memory of the Children of Regina Indian Industrial School 1891-1910.”

The benches are more than just a place to sit, says Sarah Longman, Chair of the RIIS Commemorative Association.

on the left, a white bench close up with three other benches beyond, and a white picket fence on the right.
Four new benches provide space for remembrance at the RIIS cemetery.

“A lot of times in urban spaces as Indigenous people, we don’t have a place to take our grief. So the benches are really significant, because they allow for a place in the city for our urban members, our Elders, our descendants, our survivors, to be able to go out to the cemetery, and have a place to sit and reflect,” says Sarah.

“They’re practical, for a place to sit, but they’re going to provide a moment for people to think about what truth and reconciliation means to them personally.”

Pasqua First Nation company Pro Metal Industries designed and built the benches. The company also created the feather grave markers that were placed in the cemetery in 2021.

On August 28, a SaskEnergy construction crew installed the benches. They are placed in a row outside a white picket fence, facing the cemetery.

Being at the cemetery felt “heavy,” says Scott Colliness, a SaskEnergy Equipment Operator. “I’m a father myself, and it’s not a nice thought what happened to these kids.”

“It was a little emotional for everyone,” adds James Daniels, Pipeline Welder.

Joseph Daniels, SaskEnergy’s Director of Indigenous Engagement, says the benches will help make the site more welcoming for people who come to pay their respects.

“If you walk around the site, you’ll see there are stuffed animals and toys left here. There are families who come here that are still affected. I’m thankful there’s a place where they can sit and reflect,” says Joseph.

SaskEnergy is honoured to support the RIIS Commemorative Association and its ongoing work to preserve the children’s memory. This includes the annual Feast Honouring the Children. The ceremony takes place each year at the RIIS cemetery on September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.