Finding Indigenous Children: The Brandon Indian Residential School Project

Date/Time: 
Samedi, mai 18, 2019 - 09:40
Presentation Type: 
Oral (live)
Author(s): 
Eldon Yellowhorn - Department of First Nations Studies, Simon Fraser University
Katherine  Nichols - Department of First Nations Studies, Simon Fraser University
Hugo  Cardoso - Department of Archaeology, Simon Fraser University
Dongya Yang - Department of Archaeology, Simon Fraser University
Elton Taylor - Sioux Valley Dakota Nation
Key Word(s): 
Forensic archaeology; missing children; repatriation; restorative justice

Calls to Action 71–76 in the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission address the subjects of missing children, abandoned cemeteries and burial information associated with Indian residential schools. In collaboration with Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, researchers from Simon Fraser University and partner universities in Manitoba and Ontario will conduct a forensic investigation with the goal of identifying the children who died while attending the Brandon Residential School. This SSHRC-funded research project is the first of its kind in Canada. Its significant will be to add meaning to the Calls to Action and demonstrate the contributions that archaeology can make to achieving restorative justice for Indigenous people in Canada. Its objective is founded on aspirations to respectfully reclaim the identities of Indigenous children buried and to return their remains to their families and natal communities. Since the residential schools emanated from federal policies there are many such cemeteries across Canada. We urge our archaeological colleagues to respond to these Calls to Action and lend their expertise to the long term goal of investigating these places of conscience and provide lasting solutions.