A First Nation in Northwestern Ontario has been made aware of 22 locations with potential historical remains.

Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, located in northwestern Ontario, has identified 22 potential locations where human remains may be interred on the premises of a former residential school. The discovery of these areas occurred in mid-August, following the utilization of a cadaver dog to perform ground searches within and around the former St. Mary’s Residential School site, situated near Kenora, Ontario.

Earlier this year, the community had revealed the presence of 171 anomalies at the former site, the majority of which were potentially unmarked burial sites. In a recent statement, the community disclosed that 19 out of the 22 newly discovered areas, identified with the assistance of cadaver dogs, coincided with locations previously indicated by survivors of the residential school as possible burial sites during its operational years.

The community plans to issue a comprehensive report on their investigation early next year. This report will encompass findings from both cadaver dog searches and ground-penetrating radar scans, as well as personal testimonies from survivors and archaeological assessments. St. Mary’s Residential School, which operated for 75 years, saw over 6,000 children in attendance, and records from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation show that 36 children lost their lives while at the school.

Affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and administered by the Oblates and Grey Nuns, the school’s search efforts have been guided by a council of elders and survivors, respecting customary protocols throughout the process.

Chief Chris Skead expressed his admiration for the council and fellow survivors, applauding their resilience as the community perseveres in its quest.

“I honour you for standing firm, for sharing, for guiding (and) for showing us,” he said Monday in a statement. “It is your testimony, your strength, your guidance that will continue to move us forward.”

The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program provides a dedicated hotline to assist residential school survivors and their family members who are grappling with the emotional distress caused by the recollection of historical abuse. You can reach out to this support service at 1-866-925-4419.