WARNING: This story contains details of experiences at residential schools.
A British Columbia First Nation says at least 55 children died or disappeared while attending a residential school near Williams Lake, more than triple the number recorded for the institution in the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation memorial register.
The higher figure is contained in an interim report by the Williams Lake First Nation into the St. Joseph’s Mission Indian Residential School.
The report says investigators will finalize ground-penetrating radar surveys this year and hold meetings on potential excavation, exhumation, repatriation, DNA testing, and genealogical mapping before any decision on digging up possible graves is made.
There are currently “no definitive processes planned” for excavation, it says.
WATCH | A 1991 documentary from CBC’s the 5th Estate examines the history of St. Joseph’s Mission School:
The report says no confirmed human remains have been found to date, but adds that there is an “overwhelming abundance of evidence” supporting the legitimacy of the investigation that is being compiled in a scientific way.
“Some Canadians find it threatening or uncomfortable that residential school investigations are causing us to scrutinize our colonial history and acknowledge the damage caused by systems, policies and institutions promoted in our country for generations,” the report released on Friday concludes.
“To those Canadians, we point out that the discomfort caused by a re-evaluation of orthodox history is an unavoidable part of bringing truth to light. It’s a necessary and healthy part of our evolution and growth as a nation.”
Investigators have previously said two separate searches using ground-penetrating radar at the former residential school site detected 159 possible unmarked graves.
Ground-penetrating radar is being used by Indigenous communities to pinpoint unmarked graves near former residential school sites. Here’s everything you need to know about the technology behind these discoveries.
The Catholic-run institution operated from 1891 to 1981, about 500 kilometres northwest of Vancouver. The area being searched covers 782 hectares of land.
Friday’s report says the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation memorial register lists 16 children by name as having died while under the school’s care.
It says the additional 39 deaths or disappearances were verified “through archival documentation.”
The report says it received more than 61,000 documents and photos as part of its research.
The residential school site was bought by the Williams Lake First Nation last year with the help of the provincial government, in part to help ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The report says there are also early plans to “reimagine the site as a place of healing.”
It says the investigation team is working with the B.C. Coroners Service, RCMP, the B.C. government and others “to determine where — and under what circumstances — excavation of potential graves and the exhumation of human remains can occur.”
It says they are working on a memorandum of understanding about “excavation, exhumation, identification, and repatriation of remains.”
“At this time, no definitive processes are planned regarding excavation. Engagement sessions will be completed before any decisions are made,” the report says.
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support for survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour service at 1-866-925-4419.
Mental health counselling and crisis support are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat.
The Interior Crisis Line Network is available through the Interior Health Authority. Call 1-888-353-2273 for immediate assistance. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides crisis services for Indigenous Peoples across British Columbia. Adults/Elders call 250-723-4050. Youth call 250-723-2040. Or call tollfree 1-800-588-8717.
The Métis Crisis Line is a service of Metis Nation British Columbia. Call 1-833-MetisBC (1-833-638-4722).