Cross Lake First Nation begins investigating former residential school site

A First Nation in northern Manitoba is investigating what was once the main Roman Catholic-run residential school in the area.

Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias says the community has identified 85 children who died there.

He says in a release that the St. Joseph’s Residential School was the main residential school for northern Manitoba and it closed in 1969.

“We are unsure where they were buried, or if the list we have is an actual record of the true numbers of children who had died in the residential institutions,” said Monias.

Monias adds there were two schools that operated in the community, also known as Cross Lake, that were both destroyed by fires.

The community says the investigation will involve ground-penetrating radar as well as the collection of government, medical and church data to develop a database of students’ names.

The community also plans to install a permanent monument to honour former students, including members who attended other residential schools.

“To open this process at the community level, a gathering will take place in Cross Lake as soon as all restrictions are lifted.”

READ MORE:

• Manitoba increases funding for residential school survivor supports
• Pope Francis apologizes to Indigenous delegates for residential schools
• First Nations need long-term funding for residential school investigations: chief

Monias says he was happy Pope Francis apologized last week for the Church’s involvement in residential schools, but he wanted to hear more.

“Although Pope Francis made a historic apology last week, it saddens me he did not acknowledge the unmarked graves of the children who never made it home. If the Pope should visit Canada, then he should visit Pimicikamak. We have sent the letter of invite should he come to Canada.”