Warning: this story contains distressing and traumatic details regarding residential schools. Anyone experiencing trauma or impacted by the tragedy can reach out to the 24 hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1 800 721 0066.
An on-going geophysical investigation at the site of the former St Joseph’s Mission Residential School has revealed 66 new reflections of possible human remains.
Those preliminary findings come from phase two of the investigation, which is being conducted by the Williams Lake First Nation.
Initially, the full investigation had intended to cover 480 hectares around the site.
Information gathered through interviews and archival research conducted in phase two, however, prompted the expansion of that area to 782 hectares.
Survivor testimonies, archival and photographic evidence, and historical knowledge was also used to identify high-priority areas.
Phase two had initially intended to probe 154 hectares of the identified area, but the scannable area has to be reduced, due to geographic obstacles.
Ultimately, ground-penetrating radar and magnetometry technology were used to probe 18.4 hectares of land in this phase.
St Joseph’s Mission operated as a residential school from 1886 to 1981, during which time children from 48 Nations were forced to attend the school.
A sacred fire has been lit at the Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium and will burn through 4:00 Saturday afternoon in honour of those lost and to help those left behind heal.
A spiritual and emotional health resources guide compiled by the Nation is linked here.
Those experiencing trauma or in need of support can contact the 24 hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1 800 721 0066.
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