Following the discovery of 751 unmarked graves only weeks after a similar finding in British Columbia caused a fresh reckoning over the country's colonial past, a First Nation in Canada's Saskatchewan province is treating a now-defunct residential school as a "crime scene."&nbsp;

This is the largest discovery of such remains in Canadian history to date.

The Cowessess First Nation completed a radar sweep of the land surrounding the Marieval Indian Residential School, resulting in the "horrific and disturbing finding of hundreds of unmarked graves," according to a media advisory.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) stated in the alert that "the number of unmarked graves will be the most significant to date in Canada." 
 
Watch: Horrific chapter in Canadian history

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/horrific-chapter-in-canadian-history-388467/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The discovery comes soon after another mass grave was unearthed by the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation at the former Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia last month.

The remains of 215 children, some as young as three years old, were found buried on the school grounds – once the largest in Canada’s residential school system. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remains-of-215-children-of-kamloops-indian-residential-school-discovered-387995">Also read | Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered</a>

The First Nations are a confederation of indigenous peoples from across Canada. In Canada, there are 634 recognised First Nations governments or bands. The provinces of Ontario and British Columbia account for roughly half of the total.

As the federal and provincial governments, as well as private corporations, provide financing for First Nations to employ ground-penetrating radar technology to hunt for gravesites, indigenous leaders and archaeologists believe that more such discoveries will be made.

More than 150,000 First Nations students were forced to attend state-funded Christian schools from the 19th century until the 1970s as part of a scheme to assimilate them into Canadian society.

They were forced to convert to Christianity and were forbidden from speaking their original tongues. Many people were beaten and verbally abused, and up to 6,000 people are thought to have been killed as a result.

In 2008, the Canadian government apologised in Parliament for the widespread physical and sexual abuse in Indigenous schools. Many students recall being assaulted for speaking their original languages, as well as losing contact with their parents and cultural traditions.

Following the discovery of 751 unmarked graves only weeks after a similar finding in British Columbia caused a fresh reckoning over the country's colonial past, a First Nation in Canada's Saskatchewan province is treating a now-defunct residential school as a "crime scene.

Following the discovery of 751 unmarked graves only weeks after a similar finding in British Columbia caused a fresh reckoning over the country's colonial past, a First Nation in Canada's Saskatchewan province is treating a now-defunct residential school as a "crime scene." This is the largest discovery of such remains in Canadian history to date. The Cowessess First Nation completed a radar sweep of the land surrounding the Marieval Indian Residential School, resulting in the "horrific and disturbing finding of hundreds of unmarked graves," according to a media advisory. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) stated in the alert that "the number of unmarked graves will be the most significant to date in Canada." Watch: Horrific chapter in Canadian history The discovery comes soon after another mass grave was unearthed by the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation at the former Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia last month. The remains of 215 children, some as young as three years old, were found buried on the school grounds – once the largest in Canada’s residential school system. Also read | Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered The First Nations are a confederation of indigenous peoples from across Canada. In Canada, there are 634 recognised First Nations governments or bands. The provinces of Ontario and British Columbia account for roughly half of the total. As the federal and provincial governments, as well as private corporations, provide financing for First Nations to employ ground-penetrating radar technology to hunt for gravesites, indigenous leaders and archaeologists believe that more such discoveries will be made. More than 150,000 First Nations students were forced to attend state-funded Christian schools from the 19th century until the 1970s as part of a scheme to assimilate them into Canadian society. They were forced to convert to Christianity and were forbidden from speaking their original tongues. Many people were beaten and verbally abused, and up to 6,000 people are thought to have been killed as a result. In 2008, the Canadian government apologised in Parliament for the widespread physical and sexual abuse in Indigenous schools. Many students recall being assaulted for speaking their original languages, as well as losing contact with their parents and cultural traditions.

Hundreds of unmarked graves found at another Indigenous school in Canada

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that Canada needed to acknowledge its history of racism against indigenous peoples in order to "build a better future" after a new discovery of unmarked graves at a former boarding school for indigenous youth.

He called the discoveries in British Columbia and Saskatchewan provinces "a shameful reminder of the systemic racism, discrimination, and injustice that indigenous peoples have faced, and continue to face, in this country."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-canadas-cultural-genocide-unearthed-388867/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Together, we must acknowledge this truth, learn from our past, and walk the shared path of reconciliation, so we can build a better future," he said, after the revelation of more than 750 unmarked graves at the Marieval school in Saskatchewan.

The residential school system, which operated between 1831 and 1996, removed about 150,000 indigenous children from their families and brought them to Christian residential schools run on behalf of the federal government.

Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which published a report that found the country's residential school system amounted to cultural genocide, has said a cemetery was left on the Marieval site after the school building was demolished.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/spooky-discoveries-of-mass-graves-worldwide-stir-ghosts-of-hidden-histories-393715#canadas-indigenous-children-393702">'Spooky': Discoveries of mass graves worldwide stir ghosts of hidden histories</a>

Cowessess First Nation has been in touch with the local Catholic archdiocese and Delorme said he is optimistic they will provide records allowing them to identify the remains.

"We have full faith that the Roman Catholic Church will release our records. They haven't told us 'No.' We just don't have them yet."

The Cowessess First Nation began a ground-penetrating radar search on June 2, after the discovery of 215 unmarked graves at the Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia outraged the country.

The Kamloops discovery reopened old wounds in&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;about the lack of information and accountability around the residential school system, which forcibly separated indigenous children from their families and subjected them to malnutrition and physical and sexual abuse.

Pope Francis said in early June that he was pained by the Kamloops revelation and called for respect for the rights and cultures of native peoples. But he stopped short of the direct apology some Canadians had demanded.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that Canada needed to acknowledge its history of racism against indigenous peoples in order to "build a better future" after a new discovery of unmarked graves at a former boarding school for indigenous youth.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that Canada needed to acknowledge its history of racism against indigenous peoples in order to "build a better future" after a new discovery of unmarked graves at a former boarding school for indigenous youth. He called the discoveries in British Columbia and Saskatchewan provinces "a shameful reminder of the systemic racism, discrimination, and injustice that indigenous peoples have faced, and continue to face, in this country." "Together, we must acknowledge this truth, learn from our past, and walk the shared path of reconciliation, so we can build a better future," he said, after the revelation of more than 750 unmarked graves at the Marieval school in Saskatchewan. The residential school system, which operated between 1831 and 1996, removed about 150,000 indigenous children from their families and brought them to Christian residential schools run on behalf of the federal government. Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which published a report that found the country's residential school system amounted to cultural genocide, has said a cemetery was left on the Marieval site after the school building was demolished. Also see| 'Spooky': Discoveries of mass graves worldwide stir ghosts of hidden histories Cowessess First Nation has been in touch with the local Catholic archdiocese and Delorme said he is optimistic they will provide records allowing them to identify the remains. "We have full faith that the Roman Catholic Church will release our records. They haven't told us 'No.' We just don't have them yet." The Cowessess First Nation began a ground-penetrating radar search on June 2, after the discovery of 215 unmarked graves at the Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia outraged the country. The Kamloops discovery reopened old wounds in Canada about the lack of information and accountability around the residential school system, which forcibly separated indigenous children from their families and subjected them to malnutrition and physical and sexual abuse. Pope Francis said in early June that he was pained by the Kamloops revelation and called for respect for the rights and cultures of native peoples. But he stopped short of the direct apology some Canadians had demanded. (With inputs from agencies)

Trudeau says Canada must 'learn from our past' after school graves found

In a bid to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, two men from Alberta, Adam McDonald and Stanley Gilbert Jean, have begun a walk to Ottawa.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
McDonald and Jean arrived in Edmonton on Monday, June 7, as a reception was organised for them near the Alberta legislature.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
As per Jean, the walk marks his first journey to raise awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. He said that the expedition and his sobriety are both very important for him.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
McDonald said that he began to advocate for more awareness about the issue by walking five years ago.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
He further said that he has already walked every major highway in Canada. He claimed that once he starts something, he will never give up.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Monday night’s reception was organized by Judith Gale, who is the leader of the Bear Clan Patrol Edmonton Beaver Hills House.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
She said that the cause is important to her because her sister was murdered more than 40 years ago. She also said that she does not believe that the police took her case seriously.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
She claimed that it is a cause that is dear to her heart and she is doing it for her sister. 
&nbsp; 
After the inquiry’s final report was increased, the commissioner, Marion Buller, told a crowd in Ottawa that “this is genocide”.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The report included 200 recommendations to multiple levels of government. The federal government has now issued its action plan for implementing those recommendations.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, two men from Alberta, Adam McDonald and Stanley Gilbert Jean, have begun a walk to Ottawa.

In a bid to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, two men from Alberta, Adam McDonald and Stanley Gilbert Jean, have begun a walk to Ottawa. McDonald and Jean arrived in Edmonton on Monday, June 7, as a reception was organised for them near the Alberta legislature. As per Jean, the walk marks his first journey to raise awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. He said that the expedition and his sobriety are both very important for him. McDonald said that he began to advocate for more awareness about the issue by walking five years ago. He further said that he has already walked every major highway in Canada. He claimed that once he starts something, he will never give up. Monday night’s reception was organized by Judith Gale, who is the leader of the Bear Clan Patrol Edmonton Beaver Hills House. She said that the cause is important to her because her sister was murdered more than 40 years ago. She also said that she does not believe that the police took her case seriously. She claimed that it is a cause that is dear to her heart and she is doing it for her sister. After the inquiry’s final report was increased, the commissioner, Marion Buller, told a crowd in Ottawa that “this is genocide”. The report included 200 recommendations to multiple levels of government. The federal government has now issued its action plan for implementing those recommendations. (With inputs from agencies)

Alberta men begin walk to Ottawa to honour missing, murdered indigenous women and girls

Pope Francis met both Canadian cardinals based in Vatican on Saturday as Canada reels from discovery of remains of 215 children at a former school for indigenous students run by the Church.

The pope met Cardinal Michael Czerny and Cardinal Marx Ouellet. The Vatican mentioned the meetings in its daily announcement of papal appointments.

Cardinal Ouellet meets the pope on Saturday every week in his capacity as head of the Vatican department. The department oversees bishops.

Cardinal Czerny the Vatican's expert on migrants and refugees, does not have a regular weekly meeting with the pope. He is a Czech-born Canadian national whose family emigrated to Montreal when he was two years old.

Vatican has not made details of discussion during the meeting public.

Many Canadians have called on the pope to make a formal apology for the Catholic Church's role in the residential schools, which operated between 1831 and 1996 and were run by a number of Christian denominations on behalf of the government.

Francis, who was elected pope in 2013, has already apologised for the Church's role in colonialism in the Americas but he has mostly chosen to make such apologies while visiting countries. No papal visit to Canada is scheduled.

Visiting Bolivia in 2015, Francis apologised for the "many grave sins were committed against the native people of America in the name of God".

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday the Catholic Church must take responsibility for its role in running many of the schools.

The residential school system forcibly separated about 150,000 children from their homes. Many were subjected to abuse, rape and malnutrition in what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015 called "cultural genocide".

Run by the government and various Christian Churches, their stated aim was to assimilate indigenous children.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis met both Canadian cardinals based in Vatican on Saturday as Canada reels from discovery of remains of 215 children at a former school for indigenous students run by the Church.

Pope Francis met both Canadian cardinals based in Vatican on Saturday as Canada reels from discovery of remains of 215 children at a former school for indigenous students run by the Church. The pope met Cardinal Michael Czerny and Cardinal Marx Ouellet. The Vatican mentioned the meetings in its daily announcement of papal appointments. Cardinal Ouellet meets the pope on Saturday every week in his capacity as head of the Vatican department. The department oversees bishops. Cardinal Czerny the Vatican's expert on migrants and refugees, does not have a regular weekly meeting with the pope. He is a Czech-born Canadian national whose family emigrated to Montreal when he was two years old. Vatican has not made details of discussion during the meeting public. Many Canadians have called on the pope to make a formal apology for the Catholic Church's role in the residential schools, which operated between 1831 and 1996 and were run by a number of Christian denominations on behalf of the government. Francis, who was elected pope in 2013, has already apologised for the Church's role in colonialism in the Americas but he has mostly chosen to make such apologies while visiting countries. No papal visit to Canada is scheduled. Visiting Bolivia in 2015, Francis apologised for the "many grave sins were committed against the native people of America in the name of God". Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday the Catholic Church must take responsibility for its role in running many of the schools. The residential school system forcibly separated about 150,000 children from their homes. Many were subjected to abuse, rape and malnutrition in what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015 called "cultural genocide". Run by the government and various Christian Churches, their stated aim was to assimilate indigenous children. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope meets Canadian cardinals month after indigenous school scandal

Canada's Indigenous services minister said Wednesday it is "shameful" that the Pope has never formally apologized for abuses at the country's Catholic-run indigenous residential schools, which he termed "labour camps."

Marc Miller's comments followed the recent discovery of unmarked graves of 215 children in Kamloops at one of 139 boarding schools set up a century ago to forcibly assimilate Canada's indigenous peoples. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remains-of-215-children-of-kamloops-indian-residential-school-discovered-387995">Also read | Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered</a> 
 
"I do, I do," the minister told a news conference when asked if he supports growing indigenous calls for a papal apology that dates back to a 2015 truth and reconciliation commission report, and before.

"I think it is shameful that they haven't done it, that it hasn't been done to date," he said. "It should be done. There is a responsibility that lies squarely on the shoulders of the Council of Bishops in Canada."

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett also said a papal apology is needed to "unlock the healing" in indigenous communities.

"They want to hear the Pope apologize," she said, urging Catholics across Canada to "ask their church to do better."

A few hours after Miller's comments, Vancouver Archbishop J Michael Miller offered an apology on social media.

"In light of the heartbreaking disclosure of the remains of 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, I am writing to express my deep apology and profound condolences to the families and communities that have been devastated by this horrific news," he said in a statement.

"If words of apology for such unspeakable deeds are to bring life and healing, they must be accompanied by tangible actions that foster the full disclosure of the truth," he said, pledging to make church records about the schools available.

"The church was unquestionably wrong in implementing a government colonialist policy which resulted in devastation for children, families and communities," he said.

'Labour camps'

The Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, where the unmarked graves were discovered last week using ground-penetrating radar, was operated by the Catholic church on behalf of Ottawa from 1890 to 1969.

Some 150,000 Indian, Inuit and Metis youngsters in total were forcibly enrolled in these schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language.

Today those experiences are blamed for a high incidence of poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, as well as high suicide rates, in indigenous communities.

Miller recalled an anecdote shared by an indigenous faith keeper about one such school where students -- who were often malnourished -- were "punished" for eating apples from its orchard or eggs that were destined for market.

"These were labour camps," he said. "So calling (them) a school is probably a euphemism."

A delegation of indigenous leaders had in 2009 met privately with Pope Benedict who "expressed his sorrow" over the school harms to indigenous peoples.

Although the statement of regret was welcomed by the group as "significant," they said it fell short of an official apology.

The truth and reconciliation commission later noted that it was "disappointing to survivors and others that the Pope (had) not yet made a clear and emphatic public apology in Canada for the abuses."

Pope Francis's subsequent refusal in 2018 -- after Canada's parliament passed a motion again asking the pontiff to apologize -- drew a polite rebuke from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, saying he was "disappointed" with the church's decision.

Canada's Indigenous services minister said Wednesday it is "shameful" that the Pope has never formally apologized for abuses at the country's Catholic-run indigenous residential schools, which he termed "labour camps.

Canada's Indigenous services minister said Wednesday it is "shameful" that the Pope has never formally apologized for abuses at the country's Catholic-run indigenous residential schools, which he termed "labour camps." Marc Miller's comments followed the recent discovery of unmarked graves of 215 children in Kamloops at one of 139 boarding schools set up a century ago to forcibly assimilate Canada's indigenous peoples. Also read | Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered "I do, I do," the minister told a news conference when asked if he supports growing indigenous calls for a papal apology that dates back to a 2015 truth and reconciliation commission report, and before. "I think it is shameful that they haven't done it, that it hasn't been done to date," he said. "It should be done. There is a responsibility that lies squarely on the shoulders of the Council of Bishops in Canada." Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett also said a papal apology is needed to "unlock the healing" in indigenous communities. "They want to hear the Pope apologize," she said, urging Catholics across Canada to "ask their church to do better." A few hours after Miller's comments, Vancouver Archbishop J Michael Miller offered an apology on social media. "In light of the heartbreaking disclosure of the remains of 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, I am writing to express my deep apology and profound condolences to the families and communities that have been devastated by this horrific news," he said in a statement. "If words of apology for such unspeakable deeds are to bring life and healing, they must be accompanied by tangible actions that foster the full disclosure of the truth," he said, pledging to make church records about the schools available. "The church was unquestionably wrong in implementing a government colonialist policy which resulted in devastation for children, families and communities," he said. 'Labour camps' The Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, where the unmarked graves were discovered last week using ground-penetrating radar, was operated by the Catholic church on behalf of Ottawa from 1890 to 1969. Some 150,000 Indian, Inuit and Metis youngsters in total were forcibly enrolled in these schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language. Today those experiences are blamed for a high incidence of poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, as well as high suicide rates, in indigenous communities. Miller recalled an anecdote shared by an indigenous faith keeper about one such school where students -- who were often malnourished -- were "punished" for eating apples from its orchard or eggs that were destined for market. "These were labour camps," he said. "So calling (them) a school is probably a euphemism." A delegation of indigenous leaders had in 2009 met privately with Pope Benedict who "expressed his sorrow" over the school harms to indigenous peoples. Although the statement of regret was welcomed by the group as "significant," they said it fell short of an official apology. The truth and reconciliation commission later noted that it was "disappointing to survivors and others that the Pope (had) not yet made a clear and emphatic public apology in Canada for the abuses." Pope Francis's subsequent refusal in 2018 -- after Canada's parliament passed a motion again asking the pontiff to apologize -- drew a polite rebuke from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, saying he was "disappointed" with the church's decision.

Lack of papal apology in indigenous school abuse 'shameful': Canada minister

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the remains of 215 children, including some as young as three found in a mass grave on the grounds of a former residential school, was not an isolated incident.

The prime minister's comments were made on Monday as Indigenous leaders called for an inquiry into every former residential school site across the nation.

"As a dad, I can't imagine what it would feel like to have my kids taken away from me," Trudeau told a news conference. "And as prime minister, I am appalled by the shameful policy that stole indigenous children from their communities." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remains-of-215-children-of-kamloops-indian-residential-school-discovered-387995">Also read: Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered</a> 
 
"Think of their communities that never saw them again. Think of their hopes, their dreams, their potential, of all they would have accomplished, all they would have become," he said. "All of that was taken away."

He said excavating school burial sites across Canada, as many have urged, "is an important part of discovering the truth."

"Canada will be there to support indigenous communities as we discover the extent of this trauma and trying to give opportunities for families and communities to heal." 
 
Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/horrific-chapter-in-canadian-history-388467/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Thousands of indigenous children were taken from their parents and placed in residential schools across Canada for almost a century in an attempt to integrate them. 
 
There were over 130 residential schools that were operating across Canada.

These schools, many of which were managed by religious organisations, were open until 1996 and were riddled with abuse.&nbsp;

On May 27, in a media release, Chief Rosanne Casimir calls the discovery an “unthinkable loss that was spoken about but never documented by the Kamloops Indian Residential School,” which was the largest school in the country’s Indian Affairs residential school system.

According to the Canadian Press, some of the children were as young as three. The school was once the largest in Canada’s residential school system.

“Given the size of the school, with up to 500 students registered and attending at any one time, we understand that this confirmed loss affects First Nations communities across British Columbia and beyond,” the statement read.

Tk’emlups’ Heritage Park is closed to the public and no one will be permitted on-site for the duration of the work.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the remains of 215 children, including some as young as three found in a mass grave on the grounds of a former residential school, was not an isolated incident.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the remains of 215 children, including some as young as three found in a mass grave on the grounds of a former residential school, was not an isolated incident. The prime minister's comments were made on Monday as Indigenous leaders called for an inquiry into every former residential school site across the nation. "As a dad, I can't imagine what it would feel like to have my kids taken away from me," Trudeau told a news conference. "And as prime minister, I am appalled by the shameful policy that stole indigenous children from their communities." Also read: Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered "Think of their communities that never saw them again. Think of their hopes, their dreams, their potential, of all they would have accomplished, all they would have become," he said. "All of that was taken away." He said excavating school burial sites across Canada, as many have urged, "is an important part of discovering the truth." "Canada will be there to support indigenous communities as we discover the extent of this trauma and trying to give opportunities for families and communities to heal." Watch: Thousands of indigenous children were taken from their parents and placed in residential schools across Canada for almost a century in an attempt to integrate them. There were over 130 residential schools that were operating across Canada. These schools, many of which were managed by religious organisations, were open until 1996 and were riddled with abuse. On May 27, in a media release, Chief Rosanne Casimir calls the discovery an “unthinkable loss that was spoken about but never documented by the Kamloops Indian Residential School,” which was the largest school in the country’s Indian Affairs residential school system. According to the Canadian Press, some of the children were as young as three. The school was once the largest in Canada’s residential school system. “Given the size of the school, with up to 500 students registered and attending at any one time, we understand that this confirmed loss affects First Nations communities across British Columbia and beyond,” the statement read. Tk’emlups’ Heritage Park is closed to the public and no one will be permitted on-site for the duration of the work. (With inputs from agencies)

Mass grave containing 215 kids ‘not an isolated issue’; Justin Trudeau vows 'concrete action'

The initial investigations from a survey of the field area at the former Kamloops Indian Residential school have revealed the remnants of 215 children buried at the site.

The remains were confirmed with the help of a ground-penetrating radar specialist.

In a media release, Chief Rosanne Casimir calls the discovery an “unthinkable loss that was spoken about but never documented by the Kamloops Indian Residential School,” which was the largest school in the country’s Indian Affairs residential school system.

According to the Canadian Press, some of the children were as young as three. The school was once the largest in Canada’s residential school system.

“Given the size of the school, with up to 500 students registered and attending at any one time, we understand that this confirmed loss affects First Nations communities across British Columbia and beyond,” the statement read.

Tk’emlups’ Heritage Park is closed to the public and no one will be permitted on-site for the duration of the work.

(With inputs from agencies)

The initial investigations from a survey of the field area at the former Kamloops Indian Residential school have revealed the remnants of 215 children buried at the site.

The initial investigations from a survey of the field area at the former Kamloops Indian Residential school have revealed the remnants of 215 children buried at the site. The remains were confirmed with the help of a ground-penetrating radar specialist. In a media release, Chief Rosanne Casimir calls the discovery an “unthinkable loss that was spoken about but never documented by the Kamloops Indian Residential School,” which was the largest school in the country’s Indian Affairs residential school system. According to the Canadian Press, some of the children were as young as three. The school was once the largest in Canada’s residential school system. “Given the size of the school, with up to 500 students registered and attending at any one time, we understand that this confirmed loss affects First Nations communities across British Columbia and beyond,” the statement read. Tk’emlups’ Heritage Park is closed to the public and no one will be permitted on-site for the duration of the work. (With inputs from agencies)

Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered