In 1943, Johnny Kiyawasew, an 11-year-old from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, passed away in a hospital in northern Alberta, far from his family, after being sent to St. Francis Xavier Residential School in Calais. His siblings only discovered his fate many years later, as no one informed their father about his death or the circumstances surrounding it.
Robert Kiyawasew, Johnny’s younger brother, shared how their family uncovered Johnny’s gravesite in High Prairie with the help of a private investigator in 2013. The records indicate that Johnny died from pulmonary tuberculosis in the hospital where he was buried, which was over 75 kilometers away from the residential school.
Presently, a collaborative effort between Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the University of Alberta is underway to delve into the untold stories of children like Johnny who attended residential schools but never returned home.
Sheldon Sunshine, chief of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, expressed how research revealed that many children at St. Francis Xavier succumbed to tuberculosis and malnutrition, emphasizing the human impact of these findings. He highlighted the distressing reality of children perishing due to the harsh conditions at the school.
Robert Kiyawasew expressed gratitude that his sister located Johnny’s grave before her passing, mentioning that he visits the site whenever possible, reflecting on his lonely resting place.
As a survivor of a day school, Robert Kiyawasew recounted facing similar hardships to his siblings who attended St. Francis Xavier, enduring punishment for speaking their native language. He emphasized the importance of preserving their culture and heritage.
Despite challenges in obtaining records, efforts are being made to piece together the narratives of children who never returned from St. Francis Xavier. Raymond Frogner from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation highlighted the complexities of accessing accurate residential school records due to disorganization and inconsistencies.
Sunshine noted the obstacles faced in obtaining crucial documents from church officials, hindering the search for information on former students. He emphasized the ongoing commitment to uncovering the stories of these children to bring closure to affected families and address intergenerational trauma.
The article concludes by providing support resources for survivors and those impacted by the Indian Residential School system.