The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) extends our deepest condolences and support to the Shíshálh Nation and to the Penelakut Tribe following their recent announcements regarding unmarked graves at the sites of the former St. Augustine’s Indian Residential School (also known as Sechelt Residential School) and the Kuper Island Indian Residential School.
We are deeply saddened by the confirmation of these truths, and we recognize the profound grief that each new finding brings. We also recognize that locating these ancestors is an important step toward ensuring they are properly cared for in ways that honour their dignity and the ceremonial responsibilities of their people. We are grateful that the Shíshálh Nation and the Penelakut Tribe can now continue the work of honouring these ancestors according to their own laws and practices. We hold in our hearts the Survivors, families, and communities in these difficult times.
View the Shíshálh Nation release here: https://shishalh.com/2025/08/15/shishalh-residential-school-survivors-lead-researchers-to-locate-an-additional-41-unmarked-graves/
View the Penelakut Tribe release here: https://penelakut.ca/penelakut-tribe-release-their-findings-171-deaths-related-to-kuper-island-residential-school/
Support is available. Should you or someone you know need support, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419. In British Columbia, you can also contact the KUU-US Crisis Line Society toll-free at 1-800-588-8717.