Ground search begins at former Ont. residential school
The search for unmarked graves is underway Tuesday on land associated with the former Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford, Ont.
Two ground-penetrating radar machines will be used for grid searches, according to a Tuesday morning press release from officials leading the search.
"We have finally made it to this day, where we are ready to begin the search," Six Nations Chief Mark Hill said at a press conference on Tuesday. "Survivors have been telling us for years with stories of what happened to them in the so-called schools."
Community members, survivors, and members of Six Nations Police Service have been trained on these machines and will work in pairs to search the more than 200 hectares of land, according to the search task force.
“This is heavy work that needs to be done,” said survivor Sherlene Bomberry in the release. “As survivors we take comfort in knowing that this sacred work is being done in a good way with our community members, participation. We have been clear that the search must be survivor-led and community-involved.”
Community members will partner with members of Six Nations police to perform the search.
"I cannot stress enough the importance of listening to survivors and hearing their truths that they have to share about the children that were here one day and then gone the next, never to be seen again," said Kimberly Murray, the executive lead of the Survivors' Secretariat. "Those who are here and are here with us today, they are our witnesses."
The Mohawk Institute Residential School is considered to be Canada’s longest-running residential school. It opened in 1828 and closed in 1971.
Murray said the search is expected to last all week, with any information uploaded to a secure server every day.
The search will be monitored by various groups, including Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe Cultural Monitors, as well as the Survivors’ Secretariat’s Indigenous human rights monitor, Beverly Jacobs.
Hill said he understands the coming months will be very difficult for community members.
"Our focus now is on preparing our community for the potential findings of the search and providing adequate mental health and crisis support for those who may need it," he said.
Murray said they will engage with community members over the coming months to develop protocols for when remains are found.
CRISIS SUPPORTS
Six Nations 24/7 Mobile Crisis Line: 519-445-2204 or 1-866-445-2204
Six Nations Mental Health and Addictions: 519-445-2143 (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm)
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.