‘Anomalies’ found at former residential school on First Nation west of Winnipeg: chief

The chief of a First Nation west of Winnipeg says four “anomalies” have been found on the grounds of its former residential school.

Long Plain First Nation Chief David Meeches says he’s in talks with council about how to move forward.

“There’s a number of children that are unaccounted for,” Chief Meeches said. “We have, as I indicated, a ground-penetrating radar. We have four anomalies right in front of our school. And we are asking our Elders about the protocols in terms of addressing that issue.

“We’re not gonna do anything that’s gonna be harmful to their memory. And so we are gonna do something in memory of them, and assemble as of those who did not make it home and those affected to this day.”

Meeches made those comments Thursday during a ceremony to recognize the historic significance of the former Portage La Prairie Indian residential school.

Parts of the ground were blocked off at and around the school. Guests at Thursday’s event were requested to walk along the pavement to and from the ceremony.

“I introduced it (the findings) to our Elders and I seek direction,” Chief Meeches said. “Like many things, as it relates to those that are unaccounted for, I think they were more shocked and I realized at that point that I shouldn’t expect an answer then. That’s something we need to continue to talk about. However, one thing for certain, they wanna do something here in memory of them.”

Long Plain First Nation is about 90 kilometres west of Winnipeg.

–With files from Joanne Roberts