More potential remains found at former Williams Lake residential school

Editor’s note: Emotional support or assistance for those who are affected by the residential school system can be found at Indian Residential School Survivors Society toll-free 1 (800) 721-0066 or 24-hr Crisis Line 1 (866) 925-4419.

The Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) says the use of ground penetrating radar at the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School found 66 “reflections” that “display characteristics indicative of potential human remains.”

The Nation is sharing the results of Phase 2 of its geophysical investigation of the site, which included searching an additional 18 hectares of land.

Phase 1 of the investigation previously found 93 such reflections at the former residential school site, which was announced in early 2022.

“WLFN emphasizes that no geophysical investigation can provide absolute certainty as to the presence of human remains, and that excavation of these reflection areas would be required to make a definitive determination,” the nation said in a news release.

Chief Willie Sellars of the WLFN says the community will continue to work with survivors and their families as they look to get more information.

“This is a very complicated, stressful and emotionally draining process so we want to continue to conduct this investigation in as positive and supportive a way as possible,” he said.

“WLFN remains committed to seeking resolution and truth for those survivors and families who have lost children through the residential school system at St. Joseph’s Mission.”

St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School was opened in 1891 by Roman Catholic missionaries, the Canadian government took over in its final decades until the institution was closed in 1981.

It was also known as the Cariboo Residential School.

The first nation will hold a Sacred Fire at the Elizabeth Grouse gymnasium from Wednesday afternoon until Saturday evening.

With files from Mike Lloyd

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