In 1943, Johnny Kiyawasew, an 11-year-old boy from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, passed away at a small hospital in northern Alberta, far from his family. Johnny had been sent to St. Francis Xavier Residential School in Calais, Alta., where he remained without his family’s knowledge until his death, undisclosed to his parents. Decades later, Johnny’s siblings, led by his sister Roseann and a private investigator, located his gravesite in 2013, shedding light on his fate.
The investigation revealed that Johnny succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis at a hospital in High Prairie, where he was laid to rest, a significant distance from the residential school. Presently, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the University of Alberta are engaged in a profound research effort to uncover the stories of children like Johnny, many of whom attended residential schools but never returned home.
Sheldon Sunshine, chief of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, shared that extensive research indicates a significant number of children at St. Francis Xavier died due to tuberculosis and malnutrition. He emphasized the human aspect of the data, highlighting the tragic circumstances that led to the loss of young lives and the enduring impact on the community.
Robert Kiyawasew, Johnny’s brother, expressed gratitude that his sister located Johnny’s grave before her passing, enabling him to visit and honor his brother’s memory. As a survivor of a day school, Robert recounted similar hardships faced by his siblings at St. Francis Xavier, emphasizing the importance of preserving Indigenous culture and heritage.
The challenges in obtaining accurate records from the residential school era were underscored by Raymond Frogner, senior director of research at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. He noted the disorganization and unreliability of school records, managed by different entities that often did not coordinate, making it difficult to piece together the historical narrative.
Despite obstacles in accessing church records, Sunshine affirmed Sturgeon Lake’s commitment to uncovering the truth and honoring the memory of the children who never returned from residential schools. He highlighted the necessity of this work for achieving closure and addressing intergenerational trauma within the community.
The ongoing efforts of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation reflect a broader initiative to confront the legacy of residential schools and seek justice for the victims and their families. Through research and remembrance, they aim to ensure that the stories of those like Johnny Kiyawasew are not forgotten, contributing to the healing process for Indigenous communities.
For emotional support and crisis referral services related to Indian Residential Schools, individuals can contact the 24-hour Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. Additionally, mental health counseling and crisis support are available through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or online chat services.
[Source: CBC News]
