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.
Ground-penetrating radar has revealed 40 possible unmarked graves at the site of the former St Augustine Residential School.
That data comes from phase two of the investigation, which is being conducted by the shíshálh Nation, on whose territory the school operated.
But the Nation is asking people not to focus on the number, but rather on the first-hand accounts and experiences of survivors.
Chief yalxwemult says the results should not be used to validate or invalidate those experiences, as they often are.
She says the shallow graves do not hold remains, but children who would have grown up to be leaders and family members.
Testimonies from survivors and Elders were also collected, which yalxwemult says form the most accurate and sacred portion of the research.
St Augustine operated as a residential school from 1904 to 1975, during which time children from 51 different Nations were forced to attend.
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