St. Joseph’s Mission Investigation Activity Summary for the period of January 29 to February 04, 2022

Press Release

Early in March, GeoScan will return to the Phase 1 area in order to complete two small areas. These areas were incomplete due to accessibility. The access will be much easier for GeoScan to collect the data while the snow is still on the ground.

Planning for Phase 2 is underway. Phase 2 will be similar to Phase 1, but with a different geographical area for GeoScan to conduct geophysical work. The SJM team will continue to:

• Retrieve archival records. (Royal BC Museum, Sister of St. Ann’s, NCTR).
• Have survivor interviews.
• Have one-on-one conversations with the Provincial and Federal Government for support during the on-going investigation.

Phase 2 will also include more community engagement. After the release of the geophysical results from Phase 1, the SJM team will work closely with the surrounding communities Chief and Councils that have been impacted by the former SJM Residential School.

The SJM team has started to schedule more interviews with survivors, which comes after the release of the geophysical results from Phase 1. The SJM team is being vigilant due to the high numbers of COVID-19 in the Interior area and would like to ensure those wishing to come in for an interview that the team provides a safe space to do so.

The SJM team would also like to welcome Judy Ventry, the new Outreach Coordinator specifically for the SJM investigation. Judy will be working closely with the team and the interview panel. She will be providing all necessary or requested outreach to communities and survivors. She will also be providing follow-up check-ins and/or services.

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