GRASSY NARROWS FIRST NATION – Preliminary search results show a "significant number of potential unmarked burials" on the grounds of the former McIntosh Indian Residential School in the Kenora District, according to a media release issued Saturday evening.
The search was conducted this month, the release stated. “Members of the Wiikwogaming Tiinahtiisiiwin Project Team completed a non-invasive investigation within a defined area of the former McIntosh Indian Residential School (IRS) property to search for evidence of unmarked burials.
“The visual survey covered about 4 hectares and focused on specific areas of interest for the potential of unmarked burials identified by members of Asubpeeschoseewaong Netum Anisinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) and the Elders Advisory Committee."
According to release all locations identified as potential unmarked burials sites though the visual search met at least two of their search criteria.
“The determination of potential burial locations within the Sept. 2024 search area were assessed based on several attributes including the presence of rectangular depressions measuring between 55 and 245 centimetres in length, evidence of previous soil disturbances within the immediate vicinity of the rectangular depression, orientation of rectangular depressions in an east-west alignment and clear distinct patterning of rectangular depressions in systematically defined rows.
In addition to the visual search, a ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey was also conducted. According to the release, the GPR survey covered about 0.5 hectares and was completed in Sept. 2024 "to confirm the context of the depression identified during the visual survey.”
Results from the GPR survey are anticipated by Nov. 2024, the release said.
Additional ground search investigations are planned but are contingent on continued support from the federal government, the release said. “The 2024 investigation included a visual search and GPR survey and represents only a very small portion of the area recommended to search for potential unmarked burials associated with the McIntosh IRS.”
