Over 170 ‘Plausible Burials’ Uncovered at Former Kenora Residential School Site

During the search for unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school in Kenora, Ontario, more than 170 “plausible burials” have been found. The investigation, which started in May last year led to the Wauzhushk Onigum Nation using says ground-penetrating radar (GPR), which has not revealed several anomalies.

The area of St. Mary’s Indian Residential School, Kenora, has been under investigation and the as per the latest information shared by the Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, 171 anomalies were found by ground-penetrating radar (GPR). It is believed that these anomalies are “plausible burials” and they were found in the cemetery grounds associated with the former St. Mary’s Indian Residential School.

Out of the 171 anomalies, five had grave markers while the rest did not. “With the exception of five grave markers, the remaining are unmarked by any grave or burial markers. The site has been secured consistent with the Nation’s Anishinaabe protocols,” the release said.

The anomalies will be further investigated by Wauzhushk Onigum who will also search additional sites “that have been identified through survivor testimony, archeological assessment and archival investigations that show burial rituals being conducted by former residential school staff.”

Wauzhushk Onigum Chief Chris Skead shared that a lot of work has been done in terms of carrying out the investigation, utilizing the technology, and also providing mental health support for the Anishinaabe people. “We need that funding, we need that accountability and we need those commitments from Canada and the province.” Skead is set to meet Ontario Minster of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford, federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller, federal Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu, and other officials.

Back in May 2021, it was reported that an estimated 200 potential burial sites were found at Kamloops Indian Residential School by the T’kemlups te Secwepemc First Nation. Since then, hundreds more potential sites have been identified across Canada. There were over 150 residential schools across Canada that operated for over 140 years. Approximately 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend schools and assimilate into settler culture.

Vineet Washington