Unmarked graves discovered at former residential schools at Saskatchewan First Nation

Keeseekoose First Nation said 54 hits from ground penetrating radar were made on the grounds of the former Fort Pelly and St. Phillips residential schools.

The discovery of unmarked graves at the sites of two former residential schools opens the door to more questions, said the chief of a Saskatchewan First Nation.

Keeseekoose First Nation said 54 hits from ground-penetrating radar were made on the grounds of the former Fort Pelly and St. Phillips residential schools.

Chief Lee Kitchemonia says it is a very solemn day.

“It’s going to be a very tough time for our community knowing that we have unmarked graves in our community,” Kitchemonia said during a press conference Tuesday.

“Somebody has to be held accountable for it.”

Fort Pelly Indian Residential School operated from 1985 until it closed in 1913. St. Phillips opened in 1928 and closed in 1969.

Kitchemonia said he has heard the stories and the community deserves to know what happened at the schools.

“That’s what it really boils down to, is seeing your kid leave your house in the morning time, not realizing that you’ll never, ever see your child again for as long as you live, not knowing any answers to where those children are gone,” he said.