B.C. First Nation announces GPR search findings near residential school site – Vancouver Is Awesome
Forty unmarked graves of children have been identified at the former site of St. Augustine’s Residential School in Sechelt. “For now we want to pause, stand still, and reflect. For the children we have found ‘We are going to let them rest right now,'” says hiwus yalxwemult (Chief Lenora Joe).
A ground penetrating radar (GPR) investigation led by shíshálh Nation has identified 40 unmarked graves of children at the former site of St. Augustine’s Residential School in Sechelt.
The Nation shared the results of the investigation, part of the shíshálh Archaeological Research Project, on April 20 in a press release and op-ed written by hiwus yalxwemult (Chief Lenora Joe). The project includes interviews with survivors, documented historical events, as well as the GPR.
“We have always known the truth, our Elders have told us and we always believed them. We want to show the little ones to know we haven’t forgotten them, we love them, and they are important,” yalxwemult said. “The children have spoken, and we are listening. We have heard their voices.”
