The Williams Lake First Nation has released an interim report indicating that at least 55 children died or went missing while attending the Saint Joseph’s Mission Residential School. This investigation began in August 2021, following discoveries of unmarked graves at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. The team has employed geophysical surveys and conducted extensive archival research, including over 60,000 documents and 55 survivor interviews.
The report highlights the troubling history of abuse at Saint Joseph’s, noting it had a high rate of physical assault allegations, yet few resulted in charges. The Williams Lake First Nation is committed to reuniting the lost children with their families and aims to provide closure and healing for affected communities. Future plans include releasing a collection of artifacts and securing land related to the mission for preservation. This work emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the painful legacies of residential schools as a vital step toward reconciliation.
Comments