Only standing former residential school in Sask. commemorated as national historic site

WATCH: The Muscowequan Indian Residential School has been commemorated as a national historic site. Fruzsina De Cloedt has the details.

The only standing former residential school in Saskatchewan has been commemorated as a national historic site.

“I attended the day school, starting at age four. And I continued living in this school until I was approximately 15 years old,” said Charlene Bruce, Muskowekwan First Nation’s council member.

On Friday, Muskowequan First Nation, with Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, held a plaque unveiling ceremony to recognize the historical significance of the former Muscowequan Indian Residential School.

The event started with a pipe ceremony early in the morning and was followed by a walk from the Muscowekwan School to the site by local students and members.

Chief Cynthia Desjarlais opened the speeches, after a prayer.

“The importance is what it represents, and what it has been and what has transpired since 1889 with the old former school that burnt and then this one, who was built in 1930, and what it meant when it shut in 1997,” the Chief told CTV News after the ceremony.

The school was built in 1930-31 and replaced earlier residential schools dating back to the late 1800s, according to the Government of Canada.

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After the school was closed in 1997, the main building was saved from demolition by residential school survivors and community members to be preserved as a place of healing and learning.

At least 35 unmarked graves have been found on the site since the 1990s.

“It stood as something really dark for the last 100 years […] in the community, and we need to make it a better place for us, a better place for our children, our grandchildren, our great grandchildren, and any future generations to come,” Chief Desjarlais said.

“This month, this, Muskowekwan First Nation got in touch with us, [saying] ‘We’re interested in commemorating this site.’ So we worked with them, to commemorate the site the way they wanted,” Dominique Foisy-Geoffroy, Parks Canada’s Director of History and Commemoration told CTV News.

Two plaques were unveiled during Friday’s ceremony, describing the impact of the former institution. The text is written in four languages: Cree, Nakawewin, French, and English.

“These children endured physical and sexual abuse, severe discipline, and isolation from family, community, and tradition, causing intergenerational trauma,” the words of the English text were read out loud by Elaine Severight from the First Nation.

Muskowekwan First Nation is looking forward and hopes that the site will bring people together.

“We encourage and welcome any input from anyone across the province throughout Canada. Let’s do this together,” Chief Desjarlais said.

The former Muscowequan Indian Residential School is located on Muskowekwan First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory.

For all survivors and their families, there is a national crisis line available 24/7 if you or anyone you know is in need. the number is 1-866-925-4419.