News

Monday, September 23rd, 2024 For Immediate Distribution

 

 

(Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Treaty 10 Territory) — Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN), with technical support from Saskatchewan Polytechnic, is conducting a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey from September 23 to 27, 2024. The goal is to identify unmarked graves associated with the residential school that operated in Sturgeon Landing, one of PBCN’s northeastern communities located near The Pas, Manitoba.

 

The Sturgeon Landing Residential School, run by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Saint Hyacinthe, began operations in 1926, officially opening in 1927. While it claimed to “save the nomadic Indian population from great poverty,” the school caused deep harm by erasing the language, culture, and family ties of many Indigenous children. After enduring outbreaks of illness, the school was destroyed by fire in 1952 and never rebuilt. Students were relocated to The Pas, and the Guy Hill Residential School was established in 1957.

 

This GPR survey is part of PBCN’s broader commitment to truth and reconciliation. Recently, on September 20, 2024, PBCN hosted a Truth and Reconciliation Gathering at the Sturgeon Landing site to honour the children who attended the school, especially those who did not return. PBCN acknowledges

the dedication of PBCN Social Development, PBCN Health Services, and the PBCN Emergency Operations Centre (PBGOC) for their support in making this event possible.

 

“Sturgeon Landing holds deep scars for our community,” said PBCN Vice Chief Justiin Halcrow. “Many of our children were taken from their families, culture, and identities here. As we search for unmarked graves, we honour those who never returned and continue our path toward healing. Every child mattered, and we will ensure their stories are remembered, and their spirits honoured.”

 

Saskatchewan Polytechnic also emphasized their commitment to the project.

 

““Our team is honoured to be entrusted with this significant work and we hope this project will contribute to reconciliation efforts,” says Dr. Susan Blum, associate vice-president, Applied Research and Innovation at Sask Polytech. “We are privileged to share our technical expertise, equipment and experience to collaborate with community partners on important applied research projects like

this. Our team will be using remote sensing technologies to locate unidentified and unmarked grave sites at Sturgeon Landing and provide the findings to PBCN.”

 

PBCN is requesting the permission, prayers, and support of its leadership, Elders, knowledge keepers, and members for the success of this project. The research team will work from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily.

 

“This GPR survey is an important step in our journey toward healing and truth,” said Vice Chief Justin Halcrow. “We ask our community members to unite in prayer and support as we acknowledge our past and begin to heal for future generations.”

 

It is likely that additional GPR work will take place in 2025, as the site is large and has complex geological and disturbed land conditions.

 

 

PBCN or Assin'skowitiniwak ("People of the Rocky Area"), has a rich history in northeastern Saskatchewan. With over 12,000 members across nine communities spanning 51,000 square kilometres, PBCN is a cornerstone of the region. Its nine communities include Denare Beach, Deschaumbault Lake,

Kinoosao, Pelican Narrows, Prince Albert, Sandy Bay, Southend, Sturgeon Landing, and Birch Portage.

 

Media enquiries may be directed to:

Tina Pelletier

Communications Consultant

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation

Cell: 306-941-7120

Email: communications@pbcn.ca