English River First Nation in northern Saskatchewan has made significant findings at the Beauval Indian Residential School site. Katrina Maurice, a member of the English River First Nation, has a profound connection to the site, as many from the area do. The Beauval Indian Residential School, which operated from 1897 until 1995, holds painful memories for many community members.
Recently, English River announced the discovery of additional anomalies at the school site through a ground-penetrating radar search initiated in 2021. This search has unveiled potential unmarked graves, with at least 60 anomalies identified, pending confirmation. The grim history of residential schools in Canada has revealed that over 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend these institutions, overseen predominantly by the Catholic Church. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has documented over 4,000 deaths, though many believe the actual number to be higher.
In response to the discoveries, English River plans to conduct further investigations using cadaver dogs to explore the anomalies. The community is committed to marking all graves to honor and remember those who suffered and died at the Beauval Indian Residential School. The grave markers, shaped like owl feathers and colored white for protection, symbolize the 16 affected communities and the spirit of returning home. Pro Metal Industries, partnering with the Pasqua First Nation, will produce these markers in a gesture of respect and remembrance.
Survivors like Jacquie Bouvier, whose sisters were buried in unmarked graves at Beauval, emphasize the importance of closure and recognition for the victims. The community’s efforts to mark the graves signify a step towards healing and acknowledging the painful past. The deeper investigations and marking of the graves aim to ensure that the victims are never forgotten.
As the English River community continues its work to honor the lost souls of the Beauval Indian Residential School, the grave markers stand as a poignant symbol of remembrance and respect for the lives impacted by the atrocities of the residential school system.