The Mohawk Mothers’ connection to the New Vic project is simple: while promoters of the project aim to repurpose part of the former Royal Victoria Hospital into a new complex on the McGill University campus, the process involves extensive renovations and excavation. Since 2015, the Mohawk Mothers have engaged in a legal battle to prevent construction of the site. We are committed to searching the grounds for unmarked graves, as well as undiscovered evidence related to the CIA’s MKULTRA medical program.

In October 2022, the Mohawk Mothers obtained an injunction against the construction project from the Superior Court of Quebec; it halted all excavation of the site until a proper investigation and archaeological plan could be conducted.

While the Mohawk Mothers’ epic efforts are unique, they are not isolated. The need for Indigenous-led investigations into past wrongs is more critical than ever. Since the publication of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report, numerous unmarked graves of Indigenous children who attended Residential School have been discovered across Canada. Such discoveries have sparked interest in investigating other institutions where Indigenous children were sent, such as hospitals, correctional homes, reformatories, and psychiatric wards. Indigenous people deserve closure. We deserve to know the truth about what happened to our siblings and loved ones. We deserve the opportunity to honour our loved ones and grieve for  them properly. We deserve the opportunity to investigate any Institution(s) or person(s) responsible for past abuse against Indigenous peoples.