(Mission) An investigation into unmarked graves and missing children by British Columbia’s Sto:lo Nation has revealed at least 158 deaths, most in a hospital.
First Nation researchers say archival research at three southwestern British Columbia residential schools and an Indigenous hospital shows most of the children died from illness, some from accidents, while that other causes of death are unknown.
The documents came from St. Mary’s Residential School, Coqualeetza Industrial Institute and Coqualeetza Hospital, all located in the Fraser Valley, as well as All Hallows School in Yale, British Columbia.
Amber Kostuchenko, a researcher with the Sto:lo Nation, says she and her colleagues continue to gather information and estimate they have about half of the 70,000 documents they need to report on what happened to their loved ones in institutions.
Of the 158 deaths dating back to St. Mary’s opening in 1863, 96 occurred in hospital, most of them due to tuberculosis or other illnesses.
Lead researcher David Schaepe says survivors told them about numerous atrocities committed against children, including sexual assault, starvation and secret burials.