Forty more graves found by penetrating radar at BC Residential School Site, says First Nation, says
A recent discovery by the Shishalh First Nation in British Columbia has unveiled 41 “extra unmarked graves” on the site of a former residential school. Using ground penetrating radar, a team scanned the area around St. Augustine’s Residential School, identifying locations through survivor interviews over the past 18 months.
This latest finding brings the total number of suspected graves on the site to 81, following initial discoveries announced in 2023. The Shishalh First Nation, located on the Sunshine Coast of BC, worked closely with survivors and communities from 53 other countries, including Saskatchewan, in the search for possible graves.
Chief Lenora Joe expressed deep sadness over the discoveries, emphasizing that the results were not surprising to the community. The National Center for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba confirmed that St. Augustine’s operated between 1904 and 1975 under Roman Catholic administration with federal funding.
Survivor accounts from the school paint a grim picture of children being taken into nearby forests at night and never returning. The trauma and pain endured by survivors, as well as the disappearances of their loved ones, have left a lasting impact on the community.
In light of these revelations, the Shishalh First Nation has chosen to prioritize space and privacy, declining interviews. However, support is available for survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program hotline at 1-866-925-4419.
These findings are part of a broader pattern of discovery at former residential school sites across Canada, shedding light on a dark chapter in the country’s history. The Shishalh First Nation’s commitment to honoring and remembering the lost children continues to drive efforts towards truth and reconciliation.
