Williams Lake First Nation

By Dione Wearmouth

Residential School

St.Joseph’s Mission Residential School investigation uncovers 93 potential unmarked graves

Jan 25, 2022 | 2:40 PM

Warning: This story deals with disturbing subject matter that may upset some readers. Reader discretion is advised. The 24-hour hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line can be reached at 1-800-721-0066.

WILLIAMS LAKE – William’s Lake First Nations leaders have released the preliminary geophysical results from the first phase of the St.Joseph’s Mission Residential school investigation. The institution was ran from 1886 to 1981. It was operated by the Catholic Church for years before being managed by the federal government until it closed. Thousands of Indigenous children were forced to attend this institution.

The investigation has uncovered proof of horrific crimes and heinous physical and sexual abuse against the children. For instance, proof of forcible confinement, rape, child pregnancy, child suicide, tuberculosis outbreaks, terrible living conditions that left children having to eat rotting food were identified. Among this evidence is proof of 93 potential burials in the area.

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“This investigation has lead our team into the darkest recesses of human behavior. Our team has recorded not only stories involving the murder and disappearance of children and infants. They have listened to countless stories of systematic torture, starvation, rape and sexual assault of children at St. Joseph’s Mission,” stated Chief of William’s Lake First Nation, Willie Sellars.

So far, 14 hectares have been searched around the institution, located just a few kilometres outside of the community of Sugarcane. This work has been done over the last nine months. The bodies of many children will remain unaccounted for even when the investigation is over.

“As is the case with many other residential schools in Canada, the real story of what occurred at the St.Joseph’s Mission has been intentionally obscured. There’s clear evidence that religious entities, the federal government and the RCMP have knowingly participated in the destruction of records and the cover up of criminal allegations,” added Chief Sellars.

The preliminary results only reflect the work done up to date, more information will be released as the investigation goes on. The federal and provincial government has announced it will continue to support the investigation.