'This is not work we take lightly': Vancouver Island First Nation begins work to uncover possible unmarked graves
Survivors of the Alberni Indian Residential School on Vancouver Island will play a major role in a local First Nation's work to uncover possible unmarked graves at the former school site.
On Wednesday, the Tseshaht First Nation said it started early work to locate possible grave sites and reclaim lost souls by creating connections with ancestors and those who did not return home.
"We are acutely aware of the large task at hand," said Wahmeesh, also known as Ken Watts, Elected Chief Councillor of Tseshaht.
"This is not work we take lightly," he said. "As we ask survivors to share their knowledge and experiences with our research and investigation team, we are fully committed to providing cultural support to them through every stage of this process."
The Alberni Indian Residential School was run by the United Church from 1925 to 1973.
Members of the First Nation and the public are being told to expect to see drones doing LiDAR scanning and increased activity around the former school site for the next several months.
LiDAR is a technology which can quickly and accurately map the topography of an area.
Tseshaht hopes to begin ground penetrating radar work this spring or summer.
"The Alberni Indian Residential School was located on our traditional territory, and we feel a sacred obligation to lead this project," said Ken Watts in a statement from Tseshaht.
"With culture and healing at the forefront for our people. We are guided by survivors, ha’wiih (hereditary chiefs), council and our people to give this project the honour, respect and dignity it deserves."
On top of efforts to discover possible burial sites, Tseshaht is also raising funds to build a memorial for every student who attended the notorious school.
To date, around $60,000 dollars have been raised.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
RateMDs violates privacy of health professionals, class-action lawsuit claims
A lawsuit against RateMDs has been given the go-ahead by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who found the claim that the website violates the privacy rights of medical professionals is not 'bound to fail.'
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.