Results from Phase 1 of ground penetrating radar and special drone work has confirmed identifying anomalies that have traits associated with graves at the former Grouard Mission Residential School site.
169 anomalies associated with graves were discovered. The one-acre area searched was based off testimonies from survivors.
Kapawe’no First Nation Chief Sydney Halcrow said in a written statement: “The grief of finding our stolen children has opened fresh wounds as we remember the horror and devastation our People felt when our children were forcibly removed from their families and communities to institutions known as residential schools.”
Dr. Kisha Supernant, the Director of the Institute of Prairie and Indigenous Archaeology, the University of Alberta and her team completed the first phase of ground penetrating radar and drone work in October 2021.
Phases 2 and 3 will be conducted at a later date by Kapawe’no First Nation to further research other land based on survivor testimony.
Premier Jason Kenney and Minster of Indigenous Relations, Rick Wilson released a joint statement about the discovery. You can view it by clicking here.
Big Lakes County has also been directed by Reeve Robert Nygaard to fly its flags at half mast for 169 hours to honour each of the lives that were lost.
Health and mental health supports:
- Indian Residential Schools Survivors (National):1-800-721-0066
- Indian Residential School Survivors and Family Crisis Line (National): 1-866-925-4419
- Hope For Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
- Non-Insured Health Benefits Program Toll-Free Line: 1-800-232-7301
- Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642
- Native Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-877-209-1266
- Addiction Hotline: 1-866-332-2322
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-721-006
-Erika Rolling, Trending 55 Newsroom
