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Global News
2 days ago
- Global News
First Nation in B.C. says 41 more graves found by penetrating radar at school sit
An 18-month investigation at a former residential school site in British Columbia's Sunshine Coast has found more evidence of children who disappeared there, the area's First Nation says. The shishalh First Nation in Sechelt, B.C., said in a release Friday that 41 'additional unmarked graves' had been found as a result of a search with ground-penetrating radar in the area around the St. Augustine's Residential School site. It said the discovery brought the number of suspected graves at the site to 81, after initial findings that were announced in 2023. 'Today is a day of loss for our community and for our families,' said Chief Lenora Joe in a video statement. 'These findings and the areas scanned were all driven by the stories and the memories of our survivors, our elders and family members who have been carrying these truths and burdens with strength for many, many years.' Story continues below advertisement The B.C. Legislature's flag would fly at half mast until sunset on Sunday, assembly staff said in a social media post after the First Nation's announcement. The post said this was 'to honour the shishalh Nation, and the survivors, families, and communities impacted by trauma and loss at the former Sechelt residential school.' First Nations communities have tended to use careful language when announcing the findings of radar searches, ranging from anomalies and areas of interest to possible graves, but the shishalh statement said graves at St. Augustine's were 'identified by archeologists.' In April 2023, the nation announced the discovery of what it believed to be 40 unmarked grave sites on and around St. Augustine's. It said at the time that depending solely on ground-penetrating radar for data would be inaccurate and inconclusive, due to the site of St. Augustine's being in the middle of Sechelt and having been disturbed and developed. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy On Friday, the shishalh Nation declined to offer anyone for an interview, saying it wanted space and privacy. 'As we release this news, we want to protect our people and put our community and other First Nations whose children are directly impacted and connected to this in the forefront,' Joe said in a video statement. 'We are not taking ownership of this trauma, because that was done to us. But we are taking ownership of our healing, our message and our future.' Story continues below advertisement The nation said children from its community as well as 53 other nations from as far away as Saskatchewan were at the residential school, and it had been working with them in the search for possible graves. This is the latest in a series of statements from First Nations around the province after the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc First Nation in Kamloops announced the detection of more than 200 potential unmarked graves by ground-penetrating radar in May 2021. Joe said her nation is 'deeply saddened' by the latest discoveries, but the results of ground-penetrating radar scans weren't surprising to community members. 'We have always believed our elders. This wasn't a school, it wasn't a choice, and the children who attended were stolen,' Joe said. 'We didn't need the (ground-penetrating radar) to prove this happened; we always had enough proof to know.' The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba says St. Augustine's, in Sechelt, B.C., operated between 1904 and 1975 under Roman Catholic administration with federal funding from 1905 onward. The first school building burned down in 1917, and a newer structure was opened in 1922 before being destroyed by another fire in October 1975, just months after it had been closed. The centre said parents had protested issues ranging from the quality of education to poor diet and harsh discipline at the school in 1923, withdrawing their children from the facility. Story continues below advertisement Joe said in her statement that survivor accounts reported children allegedly being taken by staff into nearby forests at night and not returning. 'Survivors have carried these horrors, and the disappearances of their siblings, cousins, and peers, in addition to their own experiences,' Joe said. The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program has a hotline to help residential school survivors and their relatives suffering with trauma invoked by the recall of past abuse. The number is 1-866-925-4419.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
First Nation in B.C. says 41 more graves found by penetrating radar at school site
SECHELT — An 18-month investigation at a former residential school site in British Columbia's Sunshine Coast has found more evidence of children who disappeared there, the area's First Nation says. The shishalh First Nation in Sechelt, B.C., said in a release Friday that 41 "additional unmarked graves" had been found as a result of a search with ground-penetrating radar in the area around the St. Augustine's Residential School site. It said the discovery brought the number of suspected graves at the site to 81, after initial findings that were announced in 2023. "Today is a day of loss for our community and for our families," said Chief Lenora Joe in a video statement. "These findings and the areas scanned were all driven by the stories and the memories of our survivors, our elders and family members who have been carrying these truths and burdens with strength for many, many years." First Nations communities have tended to use careful language when announcing the findings of radar searches, ranging from anomalies and areas of interest to possible graves, but the shishalh statement said graves at St. Augustine's were "identified by archeologists." In April 2023, the nation announced the discovery of what it believed to be 40 unmarked grave sites on and around St. Augustine's. It said at the time that depending solely on ground-penetrating radar for data would be inaccurate and inconclusive, due to the site of St. Augustine's being in the middle of Sechelt and having been disturbed and developed. On Friday, the shishalh Nation declined to offer anyone for an interview, saying it wanted space and privacy. "As we release this news, we want to protect our people and put our community and other First Nations whose children are directly impacted and connected to this in the forefront," Joe said in a video statement. "We are not taking ownership of this trauma, because that was done to us. But we are taking ownership of our healing, our message and our future." The nation said children from its community as well as 53 other nations from as far away as Saskatchewan were at the residential school, and it had been working with them in the search for possible graves. This is the latest in a series of statements from First Nations around the province after the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc First Nation in Kamloops announced the detection of more than 200 potential unmarked graves by ground-penetrating radar in May 2021. Joe said her nation is "deeply saddened" by the latest discoveries, but the results of ground-penetrating radar scans weren't surprising to community members. 'We have always believed our elders. This wasn't a school, it wasn't a choice, and the children who attended were stolen,' Joe said. 'We didn't need the (ground-penetrating radar) to prove this happened; we always had enough proof to know.' The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba says St. Augustine's, in Sechelt, B.C., operated between 1904 and 1975 under Roman Catholic administration with federal funding from 1905 onward. The first school building burned down in 1917, and a newer structure was opened in 1922 before being destroyed by another fire in October 1975, just months after it had been closed. The centre said parents had protested issues ranging from the quality of education to poor diet and harsh discipline at the school in 1923, withdrawing their children from the facility. Joe said in her statement that survivor accounts reported children allegedly being taken by staff into nearby forests at night and not returning. 'Survivors have carried these horrors, and the disappearances of their siblings, cousins, and peers, in addition to their own experiences,' Joe said. The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program has a hotline to help residential school survivors and their relatives suffering with trauma invoked by the recall of past abuse. The number is 1-866-925-4419. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 15, 2025. The Canadian Press
Global News
3 days ago
- Global News
B.C. First Nation says 41 additional unmarked graves found at residential school site
Warning: This story deals with disturbing subject matter that may upset and trigger some readers. Discretion is advised. A B.C. First Nation says it has found an additional 41 unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school. The shíshálh Nation said in a post on its website that it is saddened by the findings, which were identified by archaeologists, bringing the community total to 81. The shíshálh Nation announced in 2023 that the first results of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans around the area of the former school found 81 unmarked graves. 'We are deeply saddened, but these numbers are not a surprise to us. We have always believed our Elders. This wasn't a school, it wasn't a choice, and the children who attended were stolen,' Chief Lenora Joe said in a statement. Story continues below advertisement 'We didn't need the GPR to prove this happened; we always had enough proof to know.' 0:54 40 unmarked graves found at residential school site near Sechelt, B.C. According to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, St. Augustine's Residential School opened in 1904 under Roman Catholic administration and was funded by the federal government. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The original building was destroyed in a fire, but was then rebuilt. In 1923, parents withdrew their children from the school to protest the harsh discipline, inadequate diet and the poor quality of education. A new principal was appointed after the protest and the school was in operation until June 1975. The children who were forced to attend St. Augustine's Residential School Institution came from 53 other communities, most in B.C., but some as far away as Saskatchewan, according to the shíshálh Nation. Story continues below advertisement 'As we share this, we want to protect our people and our community, and the other Nations whose children are directly connected to this,' said Joe. '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.' shíshálh Nation is working with the 53 other Nations whose children attended the institution and is committed to ensuring all Nations whose children attended are included. According to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, five children died while attending the school. The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line (1-800-721-0066) is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience. Support is also available through the 24-hour National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers culturally competent counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples experiencing trauma, distress, strong emotions and painful memories. The line can be reached anytime toll-free at 1-855-242-3310.
Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- General
- Toronto Sun
B.C. First Nation says 41 more suspected graves found by penetrating radar
It says the discovery brings the number of suspected graves at the site to 81, after initial findings that were announced in 2023. Published Aug 15, 2025 • Last updated 43 minutes ago • 1 minute read Shishalh Nation Chief Lenora Joe (whose Shishalh name isyalxwemult). Photo by NICK PROCAYLO / PNG SECHELT — The shishalh First Nation says 41 'additional unmarked graves' have been found as a result of a search with ground-penetrating radar on the site of a former residential school. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Sunshine Coast nation says a team has been scanning the area around the St. Augustine's Residential School site for the last 18 months, at locations identified through interviews with survivors. It says the discovery brings the number of suspected graves at the site to 81, after initial findings that were announced in 2023. First Nations communities have tended to use careful language when announcing the findings of such searches, ranging from anomalies and areas of interest to possible graves, but the shishalh statement says graves were 'identified by archeologists.' The nation says children from its community as well as 53 others from as far away as Saskatchewan were at the residential school, and it has been working with those communities in the search for possible graves. The nation previously announced in April 2023 the discovery of what are believed to be 40 unmarked grave sites on and around St. Augustine's. Chief Lenora Joe said in a statement the latest discoveries aren't surprising, and the nation 'always had enough proof.' Read More Other Sports Ontario World Celebrity Toronto & GTA
Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. First Nation says 41 more graves found by penetrating radar
SECHELT — The shishalh First Nation says 41 'additional unmarked graves' have been found as a result of a search with ground-penetrating radar on the site of a former residential school. The Sunshine Coast nation says a team has been scanning the area around the St. Augustine's Residential School site for the last 18 months, at locations identified through interviews with survivors. It says the discovery brings the number of suspected graves at the site to 81, after initial findings that were announced in 2023. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. First Nations communities have tended to use careful language when announcing the findings of such searches, ranging from anomalies and areas of interest to possible graves, but the shishalh statement says graves were 'identified by archeologists.' The nation says children from its community as well as 53 others from as far away as Saskatchewan were at the residential school, and it has been working with those communities in the search for possible graves. The nation previously announced in April 2023 the discovery of what are believed to be 40 unmarked grave sites on and around St. Augustine's. Chief Lenora Joe says in a statement the latest discoveries aren't surprising, and the nation 'always had enough proof.'
