shíshálh Nation has announced the discovery of 41 additional unmarked graves, bringing the community total to 81.
The graves were found in and around the former St. Augustine’s Residential School grounds, which closed and was burned down in 1975.
Chief Lenora Joe said they are deeply saddened by the discovery but not surprised as they always believed their elders.
“We are not taking ownership of the trauma because that was done to us, but we are taking ownership of our healing, our message, and our future.”
The first discovery came in 2023 after ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans, with more scanning being done in the past 18 months after hearing stories and memories from shíshálh survivours.
The children forced to attend the residential school came from 53 communities, with some coming from as far as Saskatchewan.
Joe added the Nation is working with those 53 other nations whose children attended the school.
“There are survivours from other communities who don’t want to come to Sechelt because of their trauma from St. Augustine’s. They have bad feelings towards our community.”
Members wanting to show support to the community are encouraged to wear an orange shirt, fly flags at half-mast, and cherish your families and children.
