96 Churches Burned or Vandalized Since the Unmarked Graves Reports Became Public in Canada

In May 2021, the issue of unmarked graves at Indigenous Residential Schools gained renewed attention after an anthropologist detected ground disturbances on radar at Kamloops Indian Residential School in May 2021. It was claimed that 200 “probable burials” occurred, however, investigations into this claim are still ongoing but some have been shown to be fabricated.

MANITOBA—Chief Derek Nepinak of the Minegoziibe Anishinabe has announced excavations under a Catholic Church concluded with NO EVIDENCE OF HUMAN REMAINS.

Accusations of former students claimed Church Resident Schools covered up abuse and deaths of indigenous children.
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— Bree A Dail (@breeadail) August 21, 2023

Several similar claims were made over the next several months, leading to commemorations and protests, followed by a series of arsons against Christian buildings and the 2022 “penitential” visit to Canada by Pope Francis.

A new report has revealed that 96 Christian church buildings have suffered arson or vandalism since the reports of the Indigenous Schools’ unmarked graves was made public. A database map was created revealing the location of the churches that were attacked. (SEE Below) The Catholic Civil Rights League of Canada has made a database of Catholic churches that have been attacked, whereas the map below includes both Catholic and other Christian denominations.

According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, Residential schools were government-sponsored religious schools that were established to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. Residential schools were created by Christian churches and the Canadian government as an attempt to both educate and convert Indigenous youth and to assimilate them into Canadian society. However, the schools disrupted lives and communities, causing long-term problems among Indigenous peoples. In response to the situation of residential schools, the CCCB has had numerous initiatives and restorative activities. They wrote, Canada’s Catholic Bishops are fully committed to working with Indigenous peoples and communities across the country to support healing and reconciliation, and to address the historic and ongoing suffering caused by the Catholic Church’s role in the Indian Residential School (“IRS”) system. As part of this work, the CCCB is making every effort to be open and transparent about the Church’s role, as well as the steps taken on the long journey towards reconciliation.