Searching for the Lost Graves of Indigenous Children in Canada | NYT News

Summary

This video follows the efforts of archaeologists and residential school survivors as they search for the unmarked graves of Indigenous children at the Muskowekwan First Nation. For over a century, Indigenous children in Canada were forcibly taken to residential schools, where many faced abuse and died under horrific conditions. Using ground-penetrating radar, the team uncovers evidence of these lost children, bringing long-suppressed truths to light. Survivors, like Harvey Desjarlais, share their harrowing experiences, while the community seeks justice and healing for the trauma endured. The search aims to honor those who were lost and bring closure to this dark chapter in Canadian history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The residential school system in Canada forcibly assimilated Indigenous children for over a century, leading to widespread trauma and death.
• 😀 Thousands of Indigenous children went missing and were presumed dead, with many unmarked graves still being uncovered across Canada.
• 😀 Archaeologists are using ground-penetrating radar to search for unmarked graves on the site of the former Muskowekwan Residential School.
• 😀 Survivor testimonies are critical in guiding the research, as many records from the era have been lost or destroyed.
• 😀 Residential school survivors, like Harvey Desjarlais, share painful memories of abuse, neglect, and witnessing the deaths of their peers.
• 😀 The Canadian government and Catholic Church played major roles in establishing and running residential schools, where children endured physical and sexual abuse.
• 😀 Despite being dismissed for years, Indigenous elders' stories of abuse and unmarked graves are now being taken seriously in the search for the truth.
• 😀 The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2015 report highlighted that many children died from malnutrition, disease, and suicide in residential schools.
• 😀 Indigenous archaeologists, like Kisha Supernant and Micaela Champagne, lead the efforts, respecting the cultural wishes of the communities by minimizing disturbance.
• 😀 While two unmarked graves have been identified at Muskowekwan, researchers expect to find many more as they continue their work, with the community hopeful for justice and healing.
• 😀 The search for graves and the subsequent ceremonies provide an opportunity for closure, honoring the memory of lost children and beginning a process of collective healing for the Indigenous community.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the residential schools in Canada?

The residential schools in Canada were established with the aim to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children into white society, often through harsh and abusive methods. These schools were a form of colonization, aiming to 'extinguish the Indian in the child.'

What is being done to find the remains of Indigenous children who died in residential schools?

Archaeologists are using ground-penetrating radar to locate unmarked graves of children who died at the residential schools. This search is ongoing across Canada, including at the Muskowekwan First Nation, where some remains have already been identified.

Why is survivor testimony important in the search for remains?

Survivor testimony is crucial because it provides first-hand accounts and clues that help guide the search for unmarked graves. Survivors' memories of the schools and the locations of deaths are invaluable for identifying where to focus the archaeological work.

What role do elders play in the process of finding the remains of the children?

Elders provide essential knowledge passed down through generations. Their stories and memories of the events at the schools, including the locations of graves, are fundamental in guiding the search and ensuring the community’s involvement in the process.

How did the residential school system affect Indigenous children like Harvey Desjarlais?

Harvey Desjarlais, a survivor, recalls being traumatized at the school. Children were often subjected to physical and sexual abuse, forced to abandon their cultural practices, and harshly disciplined. Harvey himself experienced deep emotional pain, from being locked in the dorms to witnessing the suicide of a fellow student.

What was the physical and emotional toll of the residential school system on Indigenous children?

The residential school system caused severe physical and emotional harm, with many children suffering from malnutrition, disease, physical and sexual abuse, and the trauma of separation from their families. Some even died as a result of these conditions, and many survivors continue to live with the emotional scars.

How does the process of using ground-penetrating radar work to locate graves?

Ground-penetrating radar sends electromagnetic waves into the ground, and these waves reflect back based on the density of objects below the surface. By analyzing the reflections, archaeologists can detect anomalies that may indicate the presence of graves.

What emotional impact does the archaeological team experience during the search for remains?

The archaeological team, many of whom are Indigenous, experiences a range of emotions, from sorrow to relief. The work is deeply personal for them, as it involves confronting painful histories while also seeking justice and closure for the affected communities.

What findings were made during the investigation at Muskowekwan First Nation?

The team discovered two unmarked graves during their search, but they expect to find over 80 more as they continue scanning the remaining land. The findings have sparked a mix of grief and hope, as they validate the survivors' long-held beliefs about the existence of unmarked graves.

How does the community of Muskowekwan plan to honor the children who died at the school?

Once the burial sites are confirmed, the community plans to hold a traditional feast and ceremony to honor the children who died. The next step is to decide whether to unearth the remains, as part of a healing process that acknowledges their loss and respects their memory.