A community dinner on GPR processes brought together Elders, families, and youth to learn, share, and honor those impacted by St. Anne’s Residential School. The Axiom team and Survivor Working Group were available for discussions, testimonies, and further engagement, marking another step forward in collective healing and understanding.
What is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)?
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-invasive technology used in ground searches to identify underground anomalies without disturbing the soil. Here’s how it works:
- How It Works:
GPR uses radio waves transmitted into the ground. These waves bounce back when they hit changes in the ground material, like disturbances or buried objects. The data is recorded and interpreted by trained technicians to identify potential areas of interest, such as unmarked graves.
- Benefits of GPR:
GPR is highly effective in locating individual burials within small areas, such as cemeteries. Its non-intrusive nature ensures that the land remains undisturbed - Limitations:
GPR works best on flat, open terrain. It can be less effective in areas with dense vegetation, rocky soil, or waterlogged conditions. Additionally, the technology does not "see" what is underground; it identifies shapes and patterns that require interpretation by experts - Why It Matters:
GPR is an important tool for verifying oral histories, archival research, and other data, allowing communities to focus search efforts on areas most likely to provide meaningful results.
When Will Results Be Available?
The data collected requires time to process and analyze. Depending on the area surveyed, results can take weeks to months to finalize.
If you have further questions or wish to learn more, please contact:
DC Terry Metatawabin
705-278-1044 ext. 227
dc@fortalbany.ca
