Demolition of the Christie Residential School: A Day of Healing and Strength – FNHA
Nov. 13, 2025
Survivors, families, community members and leaders gathered on m̓aackʷiiʔatḥ (Matsquiaht) on Meares Island to witness the demolition of the last three buildings of the former Christie Residential School. Hosted by the ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) Nation, the event marked a historic step toward healing at a site where generations of First Nations children were taken from their homes and families.
Survivors arrived by boat from Tofino, welcomed with cedar branches and an arch at the top of the boat ramp, symbols of protection and strength.
The day began with prayer, language, and protocol, grounding the gathering in culture. Greg Louie, Director at Large for the First Nations Health Authority and former Ahousaht Chief, as well as a Survivor of Christie Residential School, opened the day by speaking about the power of language and ceremony.
