In 1943, 11-year-old Johnny Kiyawasew passed away at a small hospital in northern Alberta, far from his Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation family. Johnny, who was compelled to attend the St. Francis Xavier Residential School in Calais, Alta., never returned home, leaving his relatives unaware of his fate for many years.
Robert Kiyawasew, Johnny’s younger brother, expressed dismay that his father was never informed of Johnny’s passing, with a death certificate issued without his knowledge. After extensive efforts, Johnny’s gravesite was eventually located in 2013 by his sister Roseann, aided by a private investigator.
Records indicate that Johnny succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis in a High Prairie hospital, where he was laid to rest, a significant distance from the residential school. Presently, the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the University of Alberta are engaged in thorough research to unveil the stories of children like Johnny, several of whom, along with many of his relatives, did not return from residential schools.
Sheldon Sunshine, chief of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, highlighted the tragic reality that numerous children at St. Francis Xavier succumbed to tuberculosis and malnutrition, emphasizing the human impact beyond mere statistics. Meanwhile, Robert Kiyawasew shared his ongoing visits to Johnny’s grave, reflecting on the poignant solitude of the site.
As a survivor of a day school himself, Robert Kiyawasew recounted facing similar adversities as his siblings at St. Francis Xavier, including punishment for speaking his native language. He asserted the importance of preserving Indigenous culture and heritage, rejecting the erasure of their identity and rights.
Raymond Frogner, from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, underscored the challenges in accessing residential school records, citing inconsistencies and lack of cooperation among various entities responsible for managing the records. Sunshine lamented the obstacles faced by researchers in obtaining crucial information due to restrictions on document access.
Despite these difficulties, Sunshine affirmed the commitment of the First Nation to piece together the narratives of children who never returned from St. Francis Xavier, emphasizing the need for closure and addressing intergenerational trauma within Indigenous communities. The quest for truth and justice continues amidst the ongoing search for answers and healing.
For emotional and crisis support, survivors and affected individuals can contact the national 24-hour Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. Additionally, mental health counseling and crisis services are available around the clock through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or via online chat.