At Least 55 Children Died or Disappeared at Residential School Near Williams Lake, B.C., Report Finds

A recent report by the Williams Lake First Nation reveals that at least 55 children died or went missing while attending St. Joseph’s Mission Indian Residential School near Williams Lake, B.C.—more than three times the number previously recorded in the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation memorial register.

The findings are part of an interim report into the investigation of the school, which operated from 1891 to 1981. The report states that ground-penetrating radar surveys will be completed this year, followed by consultations on possible excavation, exhumation, repatriation, DNA testing, and genealogical mapping before any decisions are made about digging for potential graves. Although no human remains have been confirmed yet, the investigation has identified 159 possible unmarked graves through previous radar searches.

The Williams Lake First Nation emphasizes that the investigation, which has received over 61,000 documents and photos as evidence, is conducted with scientific rigor. It addresses skeptics by pointing to the “overwhelming abundance of evidence” supporting the legitimacy of their findings.

The report acknowledges the discomfort some Canadians may feel about revisiting the country’s colonial history but insists that confronting the truth about residential schools is essential for the nation’s growth and healing.

The school site, covering 782 hectares, was purchased by the Williams Lake First Nation last year with support from the provincial government to protect the integrity of the investigation. Early plans are underway to reimagine the site as a place of healing.

The investigation team is currently working with the BC Coroner’s Service, RCMP, and other agencies to determine the next steps for potential excavation and exhumation, but no definitive processes have been set.