An image of the Kuper Island Industrial School, dated June 19, 1941. (Library and Archives Canada)

By Justin Goulet

Penelakut Tribe in B.C. confirms over 160 unmarked graves found at site of former residential school

Jul 13, 2021 | 9:41 AM

PENELAKUT ISLAND, BC – A First Nation in British Columbia has confirmed the discovery of more unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school.

The Penelakut Tribe issued a statement, confirming that over 160 undocumented and unmarked graves were discovered at the site of the former Kuper Island Industrial School.

The statement read that, “we understand that many of our brothers and sisters from our neighboring communities attended the Kuper Island Industrial School.”

“We also recognize with a tremendous amount of grief and loss, that too many did not return home. It is impossible to get over acts of genocide and human rights violations. Healing is an ongoing process, and sometimes it goes well, and sometimes we lose more people because the burden is too great.”

Penelakut Island was formerly known as Kuper Island and is located off the coast of Chemainus on Vancouver Island. The Kuper Island Industrial School operated from 1890 until 1975.

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The statement noted that, “we are at another point in time where we must face the trauma because of these acts of genocide.”

“Each time we do, it is possible to heal a little more. Courage is not the absence of fear, courage is acting in spite of fear.”

On August 2, the Penelakut Tribe will hold the ‘March for the Children’ in Chemainus, B.C.

“We know healing can’t happen in one day. There are many truths to be told and heard.”

There will also be a healing session on July 28 and another on August 4, with both being held at the Penelakut School gym. Everyone, including non-Indigenous people, are invited to attend.

If you are a former residential school student in distress or have been affected by the system and need help, a 24-hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available at 1-866-925-4419, or the Indian Residential School Survivors Society toll free line at 1-800-721-0066.

Additional mental-health support and resources for Indigenous people are available here.