Search begins for unmarked graves at former Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., residential school
After lots of talk this summer, the search for unmarked graves is underway at the former Shingwauk Residential School site, at present-day Algoma University.
The work is being led by the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association, in collaboration with partners who've banded together to form a new committee for the project.
Following the discovery of 215 graves in Kamloops, B.C., the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association said it immediately wanted to do the same.
"We more or less had a talking circle and right away, they said we need to do the same thing here," said Jay Jones, site search coordinator with Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association
Jones is the former president of the association and now leads the committee formed to discover the graves at the site. He said this initiative was the right thing to do.
"To say I'm honoured is an understatement -- it's something that I'm compelled to do," he said.
Chief Dean Sayers of the Batchewana First Nation said he's excited to finally see scanning get underway. Sayers said it's an important action that will help educate future generations.
"Everybody having this knowledge across the country, can work together to prevent this sort of thing from happening again, in the future," he said.
The Métis Nation of Ontario holds two seats on the committee to discover the unmarked graves. A regional councillor for the group said some of its own members were survivors of the school -- and it's doing what it can to help.
"We're bringing the views and the resources of the Métis government to support the survivors and the work that we think they should be leading," said Mitch Case, Métis Nation of Ontario Regional Councillor.
The first round of radar has wrapped up, but crews are set to return in a few weeks.
The Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association said it should have results in about two to three months.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.