Preliminary findings from a year and half long investigation have uncovered more dark secrets from the Alberni Indian Residential School (AIRS).
The findings are horrific, and far from surprising.
Survivors have long testified to the horrific physical and sexual abuse that occurred there.
The first phase of the “ʔuuʔatumin yaqckwiimitqin” (Doing It for Our Ancestors) project has revealed at least 67 students died while living at the residential school.
They’ve come to this number through research, first-hand accounts from survivors, and using radar to examine the grounds for burials.
“First, the historic record. Second, survivor’s statements. Third, above the ground, which is LIDAR. Fourth, below the ground, which is ground penetrating radar,” said the project’s executive director Vicky White. “It’s been 50 years since AIRS’ closure and the survivors who have passed on. There are survivors in the past, particularly in the earlier generations like the 1940s, where there’s a gap that will never be filled because the documents aren’t there and those survivors aren’t with us to pass on their stories.”
So far, only 10 percent of the 300-hectare school grounds have been examined, and they’ve found 17 potential graves.
These findings are likely far below the actual number of deaths.
The investigation is aimed at helping bring a sense of closure to families and communities still healing from cultural genocide and intergenerational trauma.
For all Canadians, it’s hoped that the findings of this and many other investigations will continue to spark change and enduring measures to further reconciliation.
“We hope that this can continue the conversation and the search for the children and their families, and all of us, and as a society,” said Tseshaht First Nation Chief Wahmeesh, whose English name is Ken Watts.
