Residential School Survivor and Advisor, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Indian Residential School Survivor Committee

Elder Eugene Arcand, a Cree from the Muskeg Lake First Nation in Sask., spent nine years at the St. Michael’s Indian Residential School in Duck Lake and two years at the St. Paul’s Lebret Students Residence, both in Saskatchewan.

First Nation Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Arcand has dedicated much of his time to organizing regional and national events—First Nations sports events, cultural events, tourism events, and events geared to the advancement of First Nations youth.

Over the past few years, through the Indian Residential Schools Survivor Committee at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Governing Circle, he has worked to ensure that both the public and survivor communities are kept informed of the developments and processes associated with the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Eugene was successful because of the support and love of his wife Lorna Arcand, who he has been married to for 50 years, and his family. Together, they raised three children and seven grandchildren.