169 Possible Unmarked Graves Discovered at Site of Former Residential School in Northwest Alberta

This story contains details that some may find traumatic. 24 hour support is available for survivors and family members through the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-800-721-0066

An investigation by a Northern Alberta First Nation has uncovered a possible 169 unmarked graves at a former Residential School site.

Phase one of that investigation saw the Kapawe’no First Nation use ground-penetrating radar and a drone to uncover the graves at the Grouard Mission site.

Also known as the St Bernard Mission, the residential school, just northeast of High Prairie, was operated by the Catholic Church between 1894 and 1961.

Testimonies from survivors and family members dictated the areas which the investigation would probe.