Healing Fort Chip (formerly The Fort Chipewyan Truth Scanning Project) is a partnership between the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation and Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation. Working with the Canadian Association of Archaeology, we are uncovering truths of the Holy Angels Indian Residential School, which operated between 1874 and 1974, to bring closure to our lost loved ones, their families and our community. Learn more about the truth scanning process here.
Past
Present
As we transition into the healing phase of this project, we now have a name and logo that represents our community’s path forward. Together we will determine what our healing looks like. The butterfly symbolizes those we lost. They will always be remembered and never forgotten. They now have their colours back and will be with us in our healing journey.
Our first gathering was hosted by the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. Survivors of the Holy Angels Indian Residential School were interviewed to determine the driving clues to begin the truth scanning process. Dr. Kisha Supernant, Ph.D., Director of the Institute of Prairie and Indigenous Archaeology and a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Alberta, gave an informative presentation on the possibilities and limitations of ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology.
Our third gathering is hosted by the Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation and will focus on moving into the healing stage as both an individual and community and determining what healing looks like for our community. We will also provide updates on when the next stages of the truth scanning process will be possible, given the limitations of our climate and geography.
“You are the boss of your own healing.”
If you, or someone you know, has been affected by trauma as a result of Canada’s residential schools, please know that you are seen and supported. The 24-hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides support to former residential school students.
Individuals can call 1.866.925.4419 to access emotional and crisis referral services. For local support, contact Nunee Health at 780.697.3900.
