Search for unmarked graves at Algoma University moves forward
The search for human remains at a former residential school site in Sault Ste. Marie continues.
Ground-penetrating radar equipment is being used to scan the grounds at Algoma University to determine whether there are unmarked graves from the time the Shingwauk Residential School was still in operation.
Miranda Moffatt, site search community coordinator for the Shingwauk Residential School Site, said scanning of the southwest corner of the university property was completed before heavy snow moved into the region over the weekend.
She said there are plans to expand the search.
“The goal is to complete a secondary section at the back of the Algoma University campus land,” she said.
“We’re hoping for the weather to warm up. But we’re also contemplating actually shovelling or moving the snow.”
Moffatt said a traditional knowledge keeper was on site to ensure cultural practices and traditions are upheld during the search. The Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association is taking the lead in establishing protocols for the search. There will be no digging and if any graves are discovered, they will not be disturbed.
Association president Irene Barbeau said this is a day she’s been working toward for the last 40 years.
“I have been exposed to everything one can imagine in terms of residential school stuff,” said Barbeau.
“I just go and do what I need to do. And the priority right now is the ground search, and the people I work with feel the same way.”
Barbeau hopes Canadians will continue to work with Indigenous people toward reconciliation.
“Pray for us that the Creator will help us to do this work that needs to be done,” said Barbeau.
“The focus will always be on the children who never came home.”
Barbeau said if a grave is discovered on the Algoma University grounds, the person’s remains will be memorialized in some way. The Children of Shingwauk expect it will be some time before the results of the ground search are known.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.