SASKATOON — Métis Nation-Saskatchewan displayed its unity and expressed its support for the English River First Nation following the revelation of 83 possible unmarked grave sites detected by ground-penetrating radar on the premises of the former Beauval Indian Residential School. The investigation, initiated in August 2021 within and around the school cemetery, has unearthed distressing insights.
The heartrending reality emerges as most of the remains discovered within the unmarked graves belong to children or sub-adults, reigniting deep-seated pain within the North Saskatchewan First Nation community, especially among survivors and their families.
ERFN's leadership has convened a council comprising community members, elders, and survivors to address the situation. The council will provide guidance and direction regarding the subsequent actions following the GPR findings at specific areas of interest on the site. Based on survivors' accounts, additional potential sites will undergo GPR investigations in the coming year.
The ERFN Elders Council has extended a clarion call to society, the government, and institutions, urging them to comprehend the far-reaching impact of these search results and acknowledge the ongoing reverberations experienced by Indigenous Peoples.
"Countless individuals endure the repercussions of what transpired within institutions like this school and others scattered across the nation. It is incumbent upon contemporary governments and institutions to earnestly collaborate with all First Nations regardless of location and furnish the requisite programmes, services, and resources to facilitate our collective healing,” the Elders Council said in a statement.
In a statement, MN-S underscored the close bond between the northwest Saskatchewan First Nation and the Métis community in Patuanak. Both communities shared a tragic history, as children from both locales were compelled to attend the Beauval Indian Residential School from 1860 to 1995.
MN-S Vice President Michelle LeClair conveyed heartfelt condolences to the children who lost their lives, their bereaved families, and the survivors who endured the harrowing events within the residential school's walls.
"On behalf of MN-S, I extend our prayers, support, resources and unwavering friendship to the English River First Nation. An MN-S emergency response team has been swiftly deployed and stands ready to assist anyone in need during these trying times. Accessible mental health services are available via phone seven days a week," LeClair affirmed.
She also emphasized that the tragic discovery has impacted 15 northern communities profoundly. "This heart-rending tragedy is bound to touch every family in the north, and our commitment to support everyone remains resolute."
Citizens are encouraged to contact MN-S' 24-hour helpline for vital mental health support at 1-877-767-7572.
In this challenging juncture, ERFN's leadership has asked the public and the media to respect their community's privacy and the significance of the Beauval residential school. They call for a moment of consideration, allowing survivors to process the news and conduct ceremonies to honour the memory of the lost children.
