(Joussard) University of Alberta researchers say they have found evidence of 88 potential unmarked graves near a former Aboriginal residential school in northern Alberta.
The DD Kisha Supernant, who led the research, said the project focused on areas near the former St. Bruno boarding school in Joussard, a small community about 400 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, the capital of Alberta.
She added that the areas have been reported by residential school survivors and community elders.
Researchers searched for unmarked graves outside the school’s cemetery area using ground-penetrating radar.
The DD Supernant added that the team found signs of unmarked graves in two locations outside the cemetery area, including near a priests’ residence.
Many First Nations communities planned to gather in Joussard for a ceremony to honor those who may have been in the potentially unmarked graves.
Sucker Creek First Nation Chief Roderick Willier, who visited the former St. Bruno residential school, says there is now a need to move forward and heal the wounds inflicted on the community, while remembering the story.