In 1943, a tragic incident occurred in northern Alberta when 11-year-old Johnny Kiyawasew passed away at a local hospital, far away from his Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation family. Johnny was taken to the St. Francis Xavier Residential School in Calais, Alta., where he remained without ever returning home. His family was left in the dark for years about his fate, with his younger brother Robert expressing regret that their parents were never informed of Johnny’s passing.
After a long period of uncertainty, Robert’s older sister Roseann, aided by a private investigator, discovered Johnny’s resting place in 2013. It was revealed that Johnny had succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis at a hospital in High Prairie, where he was laid to rest, a considerable distance from the residential school.
Efforts are now being made by the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the University of Alberta to conduct thorough research into the stories of children like Johnny, as well as numerous relatives, who attended residential schools but never returned home.
Sheldon Sunshine, the chief of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, highlighted that extensive research indicates that many children at St. Francis Xavier died due to tuberculosis and malnutrition, emphasizing the human impact behind the statistics. He expressed deep sorrow over the hardships endured by the children, leading to tragic outcomes within the school environment.
Robert Kiyawasew reflected on the emotional journey of finding his brother’s grave and expressed gratitude for the closure it brought to his family. As a survivor of a day school himself, Robert recounted the challenges faced by Indigenous children in such institutions and stressed the importance of preserving their culture and heritage.
Despite the challenges in accessing records, efforts continue to piece together the stories of children who attended St. Francis Xavier and never made it back home. The complexities of obtaining accurate information from various sources, including church records, have posed significant obstacles, with Sunshine highlighting the struggle to obtain crucial details due to restrictions on document access.
The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation remains committed to uncovering the truths of their past, acknowledging the importance of closure for affected families and the ongoing impact of intergenerational trauma. The pursuit of answers and justice for those who never returned home remains a priority for the community.
For emotional and crisis support services related to Indian Residential Schools, individuals can contact the national 24-hour Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. Additionally, mental health counseling and crisis support are available 24/7 through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or online chat.