(Photo - Piikani Nation)

By Justin Goulet

Piikani Nation launches investigation to find unmarked graves

Aug 20, 2021 | 7:08 AM

BROCKET, AB – A First Nation in Southern Alberta is taking on an emotional task.

The Piikani Nation has initiated a project to investigate numerous former residential schools, as well as other sites on their lands, for the existence of unmarked graves of residential school attendees.

In a release, the Piikani Nation noted that there were four residential schools on its lands, however, “there could be additional grave sites as well.” Carolynn Small Legs will lead the group that will manage the process.

In the release, she stated that, “this will not be an easy task.”

“We don’t know what we’ll find. But we will do it – and do it right. That’s why we set up a working group to manage the various parts of this investigation.”

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The working group consists of:

• Counsellor Troy Knowlton
• Counsellor Wes Crow Shoe
• Clayton Cunningham, Chief Operations Officer
• Noreen Plain Eagle, Lands Manager
• Dimples Stump, Director of Piikani Prevention and Counselling Services
• Ira Provost, Manager of Consultation
• Elder, youth, and members at large

The working group will report to Chief and Council, and communicate regularly to Piikani Nation members, as well as media representatives. Equipment to conduct radar is being provided by SNC Lavalin.

More on the work of the Piikani Nation is available here.

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