The design for the Saskatchewan Residential School Memorial was unveiled Thursday in Regina. The memorial will be located at Government House in Regina.

Premier Scott Moe says the memorial serves to respect to a tragic chapter in the history of our province, and honour those whose lives were lost in Residential Schools, the survivors and their families.

The design was created following engagement with Indigenous knowledge-keepers, leaders and Residential School survivors from across the province.

It will be circular in shape, symbolizing the cycles of the seasons and of life. It includes benches that will be made from reclaimed elm wood, sourced from Wascana Centre and Government House. It also includes Saskatchewan plants and trees which are installed throughout the design.

At the centre of the memorial, a large natural stone depicts the province and the locations of each former Residential School. The stone will face east, toward the sunrise, signifying hope. A smudge bowl will be installed in front of the stone for ceremonial purposes.

The residential school system operated in Canada for more than a century. The federal government reports that 150,000 Indigenous children were removed and separated from their families and communities to attend these schools. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission estimates that approximately 20 federal residential schools operated in Saskatchewan from the 1880s to the 1990s.