As we prepare to launch the Fort Chipewyan Truth Scanning Project, we wanted to give you some background to the project and what it means to our community.
Holy Angels Indian Residential School opened in Fort Chipewyan in 1874 and operated until 1974. It is one of 25 residential school locations in Alberta, as recognized in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
The deaths of 89 children who attended the school between 1880 and 1953 have been confirmed by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. By the 1960s, upwards of 140 children per year were forced to attend Holy Angels. Our community believes the deaths of many other children were never recorded or disclosed.
In order to move forward, our Nations (Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation and Fort Chipewyan Métis) must go back to discover the truth.
“It is a necessary step in addressing the intergenerational trauma that the residential school experience has created for so many Indigenous people,” says Kendrick Cardinal, Fort Chip Métis President. “I believe that this will make our people stronger.”
The intended search will include aerial photography, ground-penetrating radar and collecting testimonials from elders.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
