In 1943, young Johnny Kiyawasew passed away at a small hospital in northern Alberta, far from his Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation family. He was just 11 years old when he died, having been sent to the St. Francis Xavier Residential School in Calais, Alta., and never returning home, leaving his family unaware for decades. Robert Kiyawasew, Johnny’s younger brother, expressed frustration at the lack of communication regarding Johnny’s passing, emphasizing the church’s failure to inform their father of his death.
After years of uncertainty, Johnny’s siblings, led by his older sister Roseann with the aid of a private investigator, located his gravesite in 2013. The discovery revealed that Johnny died of pulmonary tuberculosis in a hospital in High Prairie, where he was laid to rest, a considerable distance from the residential school. Currently, efforts by the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the University of Alberta are focused on conducting thorough research to unveil the untold stories of children like Johnny who attended residential schools but never returned home.
Sheldon Sunshine, chief of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, highlighted research findings indicating that numerous children at St. Francis Xavier succumbed to tuberculosis and malnutrition, emphasizing the human impact behind the data. Robert Kiyawasew expressed gratitude for his sister’s determination in locating Johnny’s grave before her passing, noting his regular visits to the lonely gravesite.
A survivor of a day school himself, Robert Kiyawasew shared his own experiences of mistreatment similar to those endured by his siblings at St. Francis Xavier, where speaking their language led to punishment. He stressed the importance of preserving Native culture and heritage, rejecting the notion of being made to feel invisible.
The challenges of obtaining accurate records from residential schools were discussed by Raymond Frogner, senior director of research at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, who highlighted the disorganization and unreliability of existing records. Despite the difficulties, the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation remains committed to piecing together the narratives of children who never returned from St. Francis Xavier, recognizing the importance of closure for affected families in addressing intergenerational trauma.
Efforts to secure information from church officials have been met with obstacles, with Sunshine pointing out the limitations imposed by the requirement for family ties to access records. The chief emphasized the ongoing dedication of the First Nation in uncovering the stories of these lost children, underscoring the significance of finding closure and addressing intergenerational trauma within the community.
For emotional and crisis support related to Indian Residential School experiences, individuals can reach the national 24-hour Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. Additionally, mental health counseling and crisis intervention services are available round the clock through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or via online chat.
