Skip to Main content

17.1°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Feb 10, 2022 8:22 PM - The Canadian Press

Vancouver Island First Nation ready to search for unmarked graves at former school

Share On

vancouver-island-first-nation-ready-to-search-for-unmarked-graves-at-former-school

A Vancouver Island First Nation says it has taken the first steps toward locating possible unmarked graves at the former site of the Alberni Indian Residential School. (Photo - Tseshaht.com)

A Vancouver Island First Nation says it has taken the first steps toward locating possible unmarked graves at the former site of the Alberni Indian Residential School.

A statement posted Wednesday by the Tseshaht First Nation says "foundational work" to locate any graves just outside Port Alberni, B.C., has begun.

Preparation to use ground-penetrating radar at the site is underway but the statement says work won't begin until soil conditions are ideal.

Tseshaht leaders say cultural support will be provided and they urge those who attended the school to share their knowledge with the research and investigation teams.

Senior levels of government have announced that $1 million is available over two years to help the Tseshaht work with survivors to locate and honour children who never returned home from the school.

The Alberni Indian Residential School operated between 1900 and 1973.

Similar investigations are being done at former residential schools around B.C.

The work began after the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc in Kamloops announced last spring that ground-penetrating radar had identified what are believed to be more than 200 unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school on its territory.

Latest news

Surrey councillor calls for province-wide e-scooter regulations

A Surrey councillor is calling for province-wide regulations governing the use of e-scooters in British Columbia. Coun. Rob Stutt proposed developing a regulatory framework for e-scooter use during Monday’s council meeting. Citing safety concerns, he asked city staff to prepare a letter that will be sent by the mayor to the incoming provincial government. Under current rules, e-scooters are prohibited on Surrey roads, parks and sidewalks. However, their use continues to grow in communities. Stutt argued that instead of simply banning e-scooters, the province should provide municipalities wit

canada-moves-to-extend-gas-and-diesel-tax-relief-until-january-2027

CanadaSep 22, 2026

Canada Moves to Extend Gas and Diesel Tax Relief Until January 2027

Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has introduced Bill C-38 in Parliament to extend the federal excise tax relief on gasoline and diesel until January 31, 2027. Under the proposed legislation, Canadians will continue to receive the full tax relief of 10 cents per litre on gasoline and 4 cents per litre on diesel until the end of January. According to Champagne, the measure will save drivers about $5 on every 50-litre tank of fuel. From February 1 to March 31, 2027, the tax relief will be reduced by half, with the federal fuel excise tax returning to its full rate on April

b-c-premier-david-eby-expected-to-call-snap-election-today

B.C. Premier David Eby Expected to Call Snap Election Today

A major development is unfolding in British Columbia politics, with Premier David Eby expected to formally announce a provincial election during a news conference at the government buildings in Victoria on Tuesday afternoon. The announcement would bring an end to days of speculation over whether the NDP government would call an early election. Eby has already indicated that his caucus and Elections B.C. should be prepared for an election, while political developments within the B.C. Conservative Party have intensified speculation. The B.C. Conservatives also cancelled a news conference schedu

15-year-old-arrested-in-lethbridge-sexual-assault-investigation

AlbertaSep 22, 2026

15-Year-Old Arrested in Lethbridge Sexual Assault Investigation

Lethbridge police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with a sexual assault and incidents of indecent acts targeting women and girls near a green strip in the city. Police said the incident occurred on Sept. 16 near the 1500 block of Lakeview Drive along the Coalbanks Trail, where a 41-year-old woman who was out walking was sexually assaulted. The investigation found that the accused had allegedly committed indecent acts in the same area in August, including in front of girls, one of whom was an eight-year-old child. Police arrested the suspect in the same area on Sept. 17. His ident

bank-of-canada-governor-warns-trade-war-could-slow-economic-growth

CanadaSep 22, 2026

Impact of the Trade War with the U.S.: Canada’s Economic Growth Could Slow

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has warned that the recent boost in Canada’s economy could lose momentum as the country continues to face uncertainty from the trade war with the United States. Speaking in Halifax on Monday, Macklem said conflicts in the Middle East and disruptions to supply chains are becoming increasingly common and could create further economic challenges. Macklem said there are clear signs that Canadian businesses have adapted to the tariff environment, helping the economy perform better than expected. Canada’s GDP grew at an annualized rate of 3.3 per cent during

Related News

Surrey councillor calls for province-wide e-scooter regulations

Surrey councillor calls for province-wide e-scooter regulations

A Surrey councillor is calling for province-wide regulations governing the use of e-scooters in British Columbia. Coun. Rob Stutt proposed developing a regulatory framework for e-scooter use during Monday’s council meeting. Citing safety concerns, he asked city staff to prepare a letter that will be sent by the mayor to the incoming provincial government. Under current rules, e-scooters are prohibited on Surrey roads, parks and sidewalks. However, their use continues to grow in communities. Stutt argued that instead of simply banning e-scooters, the province should provide municipalities wit

B.C. Premier David Eby Expected to Call Snap Election Today

B.C. Premier David Eby Expected to Call Snap Election Today

A major development is unfolding in British Columbia politics, with Premier David Eby expected to formally announce a provincial election during a news conference at the government buildings in Victoria on Tuesday afternoon. The announcement would bring an end to days of speculation over whether the NDP government would call an early election. Eby has already indicated that his caucus and Elections B.C. should be prepared for an election, while political developments within the B.C. Conservative Party have intensified speculation. The B.C. Conservatives also cancelled a news conference schedu

Two Bodies Found in Burned Vehicles in Separate Toronto Areas

Two Bodies Found in Burned Vehicles in Separate Toronto Areas

Two bodies were found inside burned-out vehicles in separate parts of Toronto, police say. The incidents occurred late Monday night and early Tuesday morning in Scarborough and Etobicoke. The first incident was reported around 11:24 p.m. on Reesor Road in Scarborough, where a vehicle was found on fire. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, a body was discovered inside. About 90 minutes later, around 1 a.m., police responded to another vehicle fire at James Gardens Park in Etobicoke. A second body was found inside that vehicle. The circumstances surrounding both deaths remain unclear. Toro

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital