Keeseekoose First Nation in Sask. announces 54 'hits' in ground penetrating radar surveys at former schools
CBC
WARNING: This story contains distressing details.
Ground penetrating radar survey efforts at former residential school sites around Keeseekoose First Nation in Saskatchewan found 54 potential gravesites, the community announced Tuesday.
At a news conference hosted in the community, about 235 kilometres northeast of Regina, officials said they searched locations in Keeseekoose based on oral history shared by survivors and knowledge keepers.
"Today we are announcing that there were 54 hits," Ted Quewezance, project manager for the search, said on Tuesday.
"Forty-two were found on the Fort Pelly site and 12 were found at St. Phillips."
Two residential schools operated in or near Keeseekoose First Nation, near Kamsack, Sask., from 1895 to 1969.
Fort Pelly school was founded in 1895 by Rev. Father Jules Decorby of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and operated until 1913. That school received federal funding in the early 1900s until it closed, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Commission's website said.
The first St. Philips residential school was opened in 1928 and used until 1962, when another building was opened and used until 1969. The St. Philips residential school was also operated by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation's memorial shows two students died at the Fort Pelly school and two students died at the St. Philips school.
The FSIN said support staff will be available on-site and virtually due to the sensitive nature of Tuesday's news conference.
A guided tour of a ground-penetrating radar survey site is scheduled for after Tuesday's news conference.
Support is available for anyone affected by their experience at residential schools and those who are triggered by these reports.
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for residential school survivors and others affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.
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