`We were children': Emotional graffiti

Cathedral doors, nuns statue marked up with red paint

*Content Warning: Details in this story may be upsetting to readers.

In the days following the discovery of 751 unmarked graves at the site of the former Marieval Indian Residential School, the doors of a cathedral in Saskatoon and a statue of nuns in Regina were marked with red paint.

Cowessess First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme announced Thursday that the graves had been identified during a search of the cemetery at the former school site on the First Nation.

Later that day, red hand prints and the words “we were children” were painted on the doors of St. Paul's Co-cathedral in Saskatoon. They were later washed off.

In a statement, city police said officers attended and spoke with church officials and people gathered for a demonstration.

“It is understood that two individuals were involved in applying paint to the property; however, a larger group was present for the demonstration,” police said. “No charges have been laid as a result.”

On Thursday night, red and orange paint was dumped on the Sisters Legacy statue in Regina's Wascana Centre.

A spokesperson for the Provincial Capital Commission (PCC) said by Friday morning the red and orange paint had been cleaned up and Regina police were investigating what police spokeswoman Elizabeth Popowich described as “a criminal offence.”

Popowich said damage was not done to the statue, but it's still considered mischief or graffiti. A report was filed, evidence was gathered and police are investigating.

“I can't speak for the Crown, but someone along the way might determine that it's not in the public interest to proceed,” she said. “Behind all of that we can't condone property damage, but at the time we're very aware of just how emotional people are,” she added. “It is very difficult news for everyone. We can't condone people breaking the law, but in a way, it's not surprising.”

Those seeking emotional support can call the Indian Residential School Survivors Society at 1-800-721-0066, toll free, or the 24-hour Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.