Manitoba First Nation begins search for unmarked graves at former residential school site
A Manitoba First Nation is looking for unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school
In the wake of the horrific discoveries in Kamloops, B.C., and other former residential school sites, Sagkeeng First Nation fundraised to pay for a search of its former residential school grounds, as well as other areas in the community.
“You just can’t go missing and be gone, you have to be somewhere right?” said Chief Derrick Henderson of Sagkeeng First Nation.
On Tuesday, crews began a survey of the former residential school site where the band council office now stands. The search is using a drone and ground penetrating radar technology.
Henderson said after decades of stories about the possibility of unmarked graves, action was needed based on what the community wanted.
“I know that governments have made announcements that they’re going to be providing funding, but I can’t wait. We’re going to do it now,” he said.
The process began with a pipe ceremony on Sunday, and on Monday the area was smudged.
The chief said even though people called for the search, he knows it won’t be easy for the survivors.
“I guess that’s why it’s really difficult cause we just, I guess we’re retraumatizing them right? You know and that’s what’s happened,” Henderson said.
Charlene Courchene, a residential school survivor, said searches like this are crucial in order to educate everyone about what really happened.
“I even tell my kids about it, it’s sometimes too they have the doubt, there’s not believing. But it’s real all true,” Courchene said.
The search is set to continue through Friday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.