Unveiling the horrors of Canada’s residential school system, this documentary delves into the ongoing search for unmarked graves of Indigenous children who were forcibly taken from their homes over a century ago.
At the Muskowekwan First Nation, survivor Harvey Desjarlais recounts the haunting experiences he endured at the school, where children were subjected to rampant physical and sexual abuse. “They used to call us little savages,” he recalls, reflecting on the dehumanizing rhetoric employed to erase their cultural identities.
Armed with ground-penetrating radar, a team of archaeologists led by Terence Clark and Kisha Supernant meticulously scans the grounds, their work guided by survivor testimony. “We’re looking for children’s graves,” explains Clark, acknowledging the grim reality of the deaths that occurred within these institutions.
As they process the data, ghostly images emerge, revealing the presence of unmarked graves. “This is the type of shape that we have found,” notes Supernant, describing the telltale oval pit that suggests a child’s body lying beneath the surface.
The discovery of two unmarked graves is just the beginning, with researchers estimating that over 80 more remain hidden at Muskowekwan. “Thousands of these exist across the country,” laments Clark, highlighting the urgent need for answers and justice.
Survivors like Laura Oochoo, who also attended the Muskowekwan Residential School, express a mix of emotions. “It’s been a long time coming,” she says, acknowledging the importance of scientific evidence in validating their experiences. “People are angry with the finding of our kids. But these children deserve to be honored and respected.”
As the search continues, the Muskowekwan First Nation plans to hold a traditional feast and ceremony to honor the children who perished at the school. The community will then decide whether to exhume the remains, a decision that weighs heavily on their hearts. “It’s making the choice to heal away from the trauma,” reflects Desjarlais, recognizing the power of confronting the past to forge a path toward reconciliation and healing.