Editor害羞草研究所檚 note: This article contains details about residential schools in B.C. and may be upsetting to readers. Please contact The Indian Residential School Survivors Society toll-free 1 (800) 721-0066 or 24hr Crisis Line 1 (866) 925-4419 if you require emotional support or assistance.
A North Island First Nation has announced plans to probe its residential school past with ground-penetrating radar.
The 害羞草研究所楴amgis First Nation is starting its inquiry into the former St. Michael害羞草研究所檚 Indian Residential School (IRS) grounds located on Cormorant Island.
害羞草研究所淥ur priority is to support the mental health and wellness of the survivors, inter-generational survivors of St. Michael害羞草研究所檚 IRS, and all community members effected by the trauma of the history of Canadian IRS,害羞草研究所� the nation said via a statement to media.
The 害羞草研究所楴amgis plan to engage with those affected by the school before directing contractors to examine the former grounds of St. Michael害羞草研究所檚 害羞草研究所渨here potential burial sites are planned to be recovered.害羞草研究所�
害羞草研究所淭his is a collaborative project which will involve 害羞草研究所楴amgis First Nation Chief and Council, St. Michael害羞草研究所檚 IRS survivors, a project steering committee, and the communities connected to the former grounds. The investigation will be completed in phases starting with contracting a project manager to assist the 害羞草研究所楴amgis First Nation with access to funding, and begin research reviewing archives, historical records, and oral history to initiate the investigation.害羞草研究所�
Part of that includes inviting survivors from the 45 First Nations who attended St. Michael害羞草研究所檚 IRS to take part in community engagements in Alert Bay.
The 害羞草研究所楴amgis plan to publicly release the results of the investigation and create a commemorative monument on the former school grounds to honour children who were unable to return to their families.
As this is a difficult topic for many to relive, 害羞草研究所渢hroughout the project the steering committee will provide access to culturally safe and trauma informed mental health supports for survivors, and their descendants, plus all community members. The steering committee is also welcoming survivors who are dedicated to being on an advisory council to join the investigation.害羞草研究所�
For further information please email the Steering Committee StMichaelsIRS@namgis.bc.ca
St. Michael害羞草研究所檚 IRS was active in Alert Bay on Cormorant Island from 1894 to 1974. The building was torn down in 2015.
editor@northislandgazette.com
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