'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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.