Resources for Indigenous Communities Considering Investigating Unmarked Graves

The resources on this page have been developed to help Indigenous communities in their search for missing children and unmarked graves. The videos available below present the same information as the documents listed in the sidebar titled Searching for Missing Children: A Guide to Unmarked Graves Investigations and Searching for Missing Children: A Guide to Remote Sensing Techniques. Collectively, these materials contain guidance on investigation planning and ground survey techniques. They are intended for anyone with an interest in these investigations, including survivors and their families. Non-specialists may be particularly interested in the first document, Searching for Missing Children: A Guide to Unmarked Graves Investigations, and its accompanying videos, since they provide an overview of investigations from start to finish. Given the technical nature of the second document, Searching for Missing Children: A Guide to Remote Sensing Techniques, and its videos, they are intended for people with more technical knowledge such as technicians, investigation team members, and others directly involved in the search for missing children.

 If you are experiencing trauma or feeling triggered, help is available 24/7 for survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. Mental health support for Indigenous peoples across the land we call Canada is available through the Hope for Wellness chatline at 1-800-721-0066 or using the chat box at https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/. The Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society provides information about these and other supports that are available: https://www.irsss.ca

The CAA gratefully acknowledges funding from the Faculty of Social Science at Western University, which supported the development of the resources on this page.

Investigation Planning: Introduction

Investigation Planning: Introduction

Investigation Planning: Leadership and Collaboration

Investigation Planning: Leadership and Collaboration

Investigation Planning: Financial Supports

Investigation Planning: Financial Support

Investigation Planning: Introduction

Investigation Planning: Archival Research

Investigation Planning: Documenting Testimony

Investigation Planning: Documenting Testimony

Investigation Planning: Cultural Sensitivity

Investigation Planning: Cultural Sensitivity Education and Training for Non-Indigenous Participants

Introduction to Remote Sensing Applications (open in YouTube)

Introduction to Remote Sensing Applications

GPR Data Collection

GPR Data Collection

GPR Processing and Visualization

GPR Processing and Visualization

GPR Interpretation

GPR Interpretation

Resistivity Survey

Resistivity Survey

Area Mapping and Spatial Data Management

Area Mapping and Spatial Data Management

UAV's/Drones

UAVs/Drones

Magnetometer Survey

Magnetometer Survey

Investigation Reporting

Investigation Reporting

Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs

Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs