Saint Mary's University Anthropology Department to Scan former Shubenacadie Residential School Site for Evidence

Sipekne’katik, FN. An investigation of the former Shubenacadie Residential school site grounds will begin this week in partnership with Saint Mary’s University’s Anthropology Department. “This has been top of mind for Sipekne’katik for many years and the tragic discovery in Kamloops brings a renewed sense of urgency to our work,” said Chief Mike Sack.

The Sipekne’katik Council and management have been working directly in recent years with Dr. Jonathan Fowler, Associate Professor with Saint Mary’s University, one of the country’s leading researchers in archaeological geophysics and remote sensing. Dr. Fowler will focus his investigation on the former Shubenacadie Residential school grounds this weekend to determine if there is any burial evidence on site. Using several techniques, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR) Fowler is working directly with community member and Mi’kmaq cultural heritage curator for the NS Museum, Roger Lewis, as a co-investigator.

“This urgent and essential work must be undertaken thoroughly and to the highest standard,” Dr. Fowler said, adding “we will examine the site carefully and with the most powerful technologies available.” Dr. Fowler’s GPR research has successfully mapped burials associated with 1873 sinking of the SS Atlantic and identified nearly 300 unmarked graves in the pre-Deportation Acadian cemetery at Grand-Pré National Historic Site of Canada.

“Our hearts remain with the people of the Tk’emlúps te Secweìpemc First Nation as we all continue to grapple with the impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous people across Canada. There needs to be reconciliation and accountability for these horrific acts which we unfortunately know all too well firsthand. The prospect of a similar discovery in our community is difficult to consider, but we must fully assess the site,” said Chief Sack.

Community members with information that could assist with the search can email [email protected]. Sipekne’katik Chief and Council will provide updates as the investigation progresses. The community asks that people refrain from visiting the area at or near the former Residential school site.