National

First Nation to release school grave search info

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Feb, 2023 10:42 AM

PORT ALBERNI, B.C. - A British Columbia First Nation is releasing the results of a preliminary search for unmarked graves on the grounds of a former residential school.

The Tseshaht First Nation is presenting its search results in Port Alberni, B.C., after 18 months of planning and operations at the former site of the Alberni Indian Residential School.

Tseshaht Nation officials say children from at least 100 Indigenous communities attended the school when it operated from 1900 to 1973.

B.C. land surveyor GeoScan has been working on the project, using ground-penetrating radar to detect possible grave sites at the Alberni school location.

The company, which has worked at other residential school sites, began scanning at Port Alberni in July 2022.

Tseshaht Elected Chief Councillor Wahmeesh, whose English name is Ken Watts, says it's essential to embark on what he calls "this journey of truth" despite the process being difficult for survivors.

Officials say health and wellness support staff will be on-site to assist if necessary.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Man fatally shot in Burnaby, B.C., attack

A statement from Burnaby RCMP says the attack happened just after 11 p.m. Tuesday along a busy stretch of Hastings Street near Confederation Park. The unnamed victim died at the scene.

Man fatally shot in Burnaby, B.C., attack

Reward doubled to $500K for B.C. gondola vandalism

It comes as RCMP reveal more details about their investigation and share a photo of a suspect who may have been responsible for cutting the cable on the Sea to Sky Gondola twice, in 2019 and 2020.

Reward doubled to $500K for B.C. gondola vandalism

Schools not to blame for high COVID rates: doctor

Dr. Bonnie Henry has been criticized by some parents, advocacy groups and health-care professionals who say a major jump in infections occurred during the school year among children under age 10.

Schools not to blame for high COVID rates: doctor

B.C. shuts schools, gives workers day off Sept. 19

A statement from the province says it's a national day to reflect on the "incredible life of Canada's Queen and the longest-serving monarch in British history." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared that Monday will be a holiday for federal government workers to mourn the Queen on the day of her state funeral.

B.C. shuts schools, gives workers day off Sept. 19

B.C. police watchdog called after fatal shooting

A statement from the Mounties says members of the southeast district emergency response team attempted to arrest the man and woman, who had outstanding warrants, along Highway 3 near Keremeos on Tuesday. They say police shot the man after he allegedly pulled out a weapon, and he died at the scene.

B.C. police watchdog called after fatal shooting

A 21-year old man has been sentenced to life in prison for a 2021 shooting in Burnaby.

The suspect, later identified as 21-year old Ahmed Tahir, was quickly apprehended. A second victim, who had suffered non life-threatening injuries was later identified. On May 9, 2021, the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) laid a first degree murder charge against Tahir in relation to the homicide of Mr. Dalipi.