Shingwauk survivors begin protocol talks for search of unmarked graves
A group of residential school survivors are meeting this weekend to discuss protocols around the search for unmarked graves at a former Sault Ste. Marie residential school.
Survivors of the Shingwauk residential school site began discussions Friday, with a goal of creating a plan for when it comes time to release results of the findings at the former site.
Shingwauk search coordinator Jay Jones told CTV news it comes down to two schools of thought on what to do with any graves that are discovered.
"One is leave the remains, if the remains are found, leave them alone, mark it and memorialize it," Jones said. "The other is to do a ground true thing, which is invasive, the process, it's a lot longer, a lot more in depth and involves a lot more people."
Ground radar scanning began at the end of September on what is present-day Algoma University.
Jones said it's likely those scans have already returned results.
"What we did was ask the companies that are going to analyze the data for us, please hold the data and then when we're ready to deal with any findings or any anomalies, then we will ask you to give us the results," he added.
Sixteen residential school survivors are taking part in the discussions over the weekend. Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association president Irene Barbeau is one of them.
"I've been doing this for over 30 years, there's nothing I haven't heard before," Barbeau said. "But for the rest of Canadians, it's almost like, well finally you believe us, because you have the evidence, where we didn't have the evidence but we knew it was a fact."
Barbeau said she was fortunate during her time at the Shingwauk residential school not to have experienced any abuse. She also looks fondly on her time there because of the friends she made.
"I still keep in contact with all of them, and that was over 50 years ago," she said. "But it also depends on the era and if you speak with survivors from the 30s and 40s, it was much, much worse."
Sisters Christine Solomon and Sophia Kleywegt also attended the school, near the end of its operation. The pair said they often had to keep their guard up, especially when speaking their own language.
"There was a sense of relief when we finally began to do this here at the site," Solomon said. "It's closure for families and curiosity, how many did we lose, the little ones."
The sisters said they were happy to see how quickly the RADAR began after the discovery of 215 unmarked graves at a former site in Kamloops, B.C.
"I said, oh finally, finally, it's a relief feeling to know that they're found," said Kleywegt. "Healing is a crucial part of this and we're grateful to be able to take part in this process."
The group said it's unlikely they'll have all its protocols in place by the end of the weekend, but members are hoping to meet again later this month.
Jones added that he expects to have a plan in place by January.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.