Fort Albany First Nation has taken a critical step forward in truth-finding by beginning ground-penetrating radar (GPR) searches on the grounds of the former St. Anne’s Residential School.
According to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, 24 students are officially recorded as having died while attending the school. Survivors and elders believe more unmarked graves remain to be uncovered, making this search a vital step in addressing long-standing questions and injustices.
“We have about a half dozen high-priority sites that we have to investigate,” said Metatawabin. “For our Survivors, it's a conversation that has to be taken seriously. This is just not a history book. This is unsolved mysteries, unsolved investigations.”
The search is expected to take one to three months to complete. The findings, once shared, could bring clarity and justice while helping the community on its path to healing.
