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

$100,000 reward over attack on GasLink site

Association president Chris Gardner says the reward will go to anyone providing information leading to arrests and charges against the "thugs and criminals" behind the attack, which RCMP say caused millions of dollars in damage.

$100,000 reward over attack on GasLink site

Influx at BC Children's could mean double-bunking

Last week, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the province was seeing a "dramatic increase" in illness and it arrived sooner than the seasonal flu usually would. Health Minister Adrian Dix said at the same time that provincial emergency rooms had been seeing a peak of up to 6,900 patients daily.

Influx at BC Children's could mean double-bunking

Premiers demand meeting with PM on health care

The provincial and territorial leaders issued their call for a sit-down with Trudeau after a closed-door meeting in Winnipeg, one month after talks with the federal government on health-care funding ended without an agreement.

Premiers demand meeting with PM on health care

B.C. respiratory illness surge is stabilizing: CDC

The centre says in a new update that influenza A was the most detected virus in B.C. last week, while wastewater tests indicate a slow increase in COVID-19 infections. It says B.C. is experiencing an unusual season for respiratory illnesses with "unusual characteristics," including an intense early surge in cases and the flu-related deaths of children and youth.

B.C. respiratory illness surge is stabilizing: CDC

Woman suffering from gunshot wounds inside vehicle dies: Coquitlam RCMP

Police found a woman suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle and immediately began lifesaving measures. The woman later passed away due to her injuries on scene. This is believed to be an isolated incident.

Woman suffering from gunshot wounds inside vehicle dies: Coquitlam RCMP

Bivalent COVID booster OK'd for kids

The Pfizer vaccine is the first "bivalent" shot to be approved for use in children. Health Canada says in a press release that after the thorough review, it has found the vaccine is safe and effective and that its benefits outweigh any potential risks when used as a booster dose.