182 unmarked graves found near former residential school in B.C.

More human remains have been found near a former residential school in B.C. Canada which operated from 1912 to the 1970s.

The Lower Kootenay Band said remains of 182 people were found in unmarked graves close to the former St. Eugene’s Mission School near Cranbrook, in a statement released Wednesday.

The statement says the Aq’am community conducted the search in 2020.

“Some of the findings had the human remains buried in shallow graves only three to four feet deep,” the statement says, explaining the Lower Kootenay Band is a member band of the Ktunxa Nation. Ground-penetrating radar was used to locate the graves.

“Many Lower Kootenay Band members were forced to attend the St. Eugene’s Mission School.”

About 100 band members attended that residential school, the statement says.

If you are a former residential school student in distress, or have been affected by the residential school system and need help, you can contact the 24-hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.