“Williams Lake First Nation Assumes Ownership of Former Residential School Grounds: A Significant Step Towards Reconciliation”
Trigger warning: The following article discusses disturbing subject matter that may cause distress. Reader discretion is advised. In a groundbreaking move towards reconciliation, the Williams Lake First Nation has taken ownership of the grounds of the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. This institution, known for its assimilative practices, operated in the Cariboo region for nearly a century. The First Nation, in collaboration with the B.C. government, purchased the 13.7-acre property for $1.2 million. Of this amount, the province contributed $849,000. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the journey towards healing and reconciliation for affected communities.
A Dark History: St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School
Like all residential schools, St. Joseph’s Mission holds a painful history marred by sickening violence. For nearly a century, it served as a place where children from over 40 First Nations were forcibly severed from their indigenous languages, cultures, and identities. The school, which operated from 1891 to 1981, has long been demolished. An additional property, the Onward Ranch, was acquired in 1964 to meet the operational needs of the institution. The majority of these schools were under the administration of Roman Catholic missionaries.
Unveiling the Truth: Unearthing Disturbing Findings
Williams Lake First Nation’s archival research and interviews with survivors and their descendants have revealed horrifying stories of abuse and trauma. These accounts include gang rape, child molestation, confinement, extreme exposure to harsh conditions, intentional starvation, slave labor, and severe beatings that led to unconsciousness. Ground-penetrating radar surveys conducted by the First Nation have also identified 159 potential burial sites on the grounds. The transfer of ownership enables the continuation of investigation and restoration efforts, providing peace of mind to the impacted communities.
A Place of Reflection and Healing
The intention behind the Williams Lake First Nation’s acquisition of the former residential school grounds is to transform it into a safe and welcoming space for communities, former students, and their families. The site will be preserved as a place for ceremonies, remembrance, and healing. Looking to the future, the First Nation envisions erecting a monument that honors every survivor and acknowledges the experiences of every child who attended the school. Through this initiative, the community hopes to play an active role in the reconciliation education that is vital to our nation and region.
Confronting Denialism Through Education
Although residential school denialism persists in Canada, communities like the Williams Lake First Nation possess concrete evidence of the atrocities that occurred within the church- and state-sponsored system. By protecting the site and utilizing it for educational purposes, these communities are taking a definitive stance against denialism. The preservation and use of the grounds will challenge those who attempt to deny or downplay the impact of residential schools, ensuring that the truth prevails.
A Step Towards Uncomfortable Truths: Government Support and Responsibility
The negotiations between the Williams Lake First Nation and the provincial government commenced in 2021, but discussions with the private landowners date back several decades. Murray Rankin, the minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, emphasizes that this ownership transfer safeguards the former grounds from potential development and transforms it into a place of reflection, remembrance, and healing. Rankin acknowledges the difficult and painful work that Indigenous communities across the province are undertaking in their search for missing children. The government vows to provide support and assistance in this undertaking as an ally committed to facing the uncomfortable truths of colonialism.
In Conclusion
The Williams Lake First Nation’s acquisition of the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School grounds signifies a monumental step towards reconciliation. By reclaiming this site, traumatized communities can honor their ancestors, acknowledge their painful history, and establish a foundation for healing. Through education and remembrance, the truth prevails, silencing denialism and paving the way for a more just and equitable society. This acquisition serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths we must go to rectify the injustices of the past and build a better future for all.
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