A search of the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba identified 190 anomalies in the ground. Work is currently underway to determine whether these may be unmarked graves of students from residential schools.
The head of the first Sagkeeng nation, Derrick Henderson, confirmed on Monday that penetrating radar had detected 137 anomalies in one area of the community and 53 anomalies in another.
Although these anomalies were not found at the site of the former housing school, Henderson said the anomalies were soil disturbances that could meet the criteria for potential unmarked graves – but it is too early to say for sure.
“We still don’t know what’s underneath, but we’ll start from there,” Henderson said, adding that they had shut down pipelines, water and sewer lines.
“Right now, it’s an indication that there’s something out there. We need to understand what it is, and then we’ll definitely deal with it.”
The Sagkeeng First Nation began its search in June 2021 following the discovery of unmarked graves in Kamloops, British Columbia, and other former residential schools across the country. The crews used drones and ground penetration technology to search the former Fort Alexander school site, where the group’s council office is now located.
“REQUIRING” SCHOOL TIME ACCOUNTS HEARD IN THE COMMUNITY
The school was built in 1905 and is run by the Catholic Church. Although it ceased operations in residential schools in 1970, it continued to operate as a day school for several years. According to the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation, many students tried to run away from school, including a case in which two boys drowned while trying to escape by boat in 1928.
Fort Alexander Residential School. (Source: University of British Columbia / IRSHDC)
The school had a reputation for abuse, with survivors recounting times of starvation and harsh discipline to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
What happened within its walls prompted the Manitoba RCMP to launch a large-scale investigation last year investigating allegations of sexual violence.
“From the conversations we had with some of our elders and some of the survivors, they said some things that are quite disturbing about the missing children and some things that are happening at the residential school,” Henderson told CTV News, adding. that he can. I can’t say for sure if there are any unmarked graves in Sagkeeng.
“I think when the day comes that if I have to – if that’s what we’re revealing – then I’ll make that statement.
THE DISCOVERIES MAY BE A LAUNCH, SAYS SOCIETY OF SURVIVORS
Henderson asked for patience in the community as the work continues to determine the nature of these anomalies. He said he would meet with public pipe carriers to get guidance on the next steps, adding that demand would be driven by the community.
The chief presented this information to Sagkeeng members during a public celebration on Friday, accompanied by memorial songs about missing children and prayers from community elders.
“This will work again, it will probably traumatize the survivors of our homes again, so we need to get support,” Henderson said, adding that there is support for survivors in the community.
Bruce Allen, an aide to the Indian Society for Surviving Schools, told CTV News that discoveries like this have a big impact on survivors and their families.
“They will definitely be activated and bring back those sad and painful memories of their time at their school,” he said.
Although the findings could be painful, Allen said it could lead to future healing.
“For reconciliation to happen, the whole truth must come out. We are still at the stage of truth and reconciliation will have to come later.”
If you are a former student at a residential school in distress or have been affected by the resident school system and need help, you can contact the 24-hour crisis line of Indian residential schools: 1-866-925-4419. Additional mental health support and indigenous resources are available here.
-with files from Mason DePatie from CTV and Canadian Press.
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