ST. PAUL - University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills (UnBQ) will be releasing its preliminary findings following phase one of the search for unmarked graves at the former residential school site, located west of St. Paul.
On April 19, the university will host a gathering, which will include ceremony "to share the preliminary findings of 'reflections of interest' identified in phase one of the search for unmarked burial sites," according to information from UnBQ president Sherri Chisan.
"This will be a time of coming together in healing, including cultural and wellness supports and activities from April 19-22. A ceremonial fire will start the evening of April 18," reads the information.
"As we prepare to share the results of phase one of our search for unmarked burial sites we express our gratitude to the Indian Residential School (IRS) survivors who supported the ground search in August 2022 by lifting their pipes daily to ensure that the work was done with deep respect and support for the missing children, their families, and all survivors."
Those involved are grateful to all the survivors and families who came together to share their memories and support one another, throughout the process.
"We are thankful to our Elders and our Elders Senate who have guided us through ceremony and kindness to take great care during this process, to be respectful, compassionate, and patient," according to UnBQ.
The institution also said it was thankful for the "sensitivity and professionalism of the Indigenous led search team for conducting the ground penetrating radar," done in August.
The UnBQ site, still includes the large brick building that was in operation as a residential school from 1931 to about 1970. In August when the ground search was done, there were wellness supports and ceremony offered to those in attendance, many of whom were residential school survivors.
On April 19, the public release of the search summary report will be done at the UnBQ gym. Tours of Blue Quills, along with a variety of sessions and presentations will be held over the next three days during the Indian Residential School Gathering. Every day will begin with a pipe ceremony, and a closing pipe ceremony and closing dialogue will take place April 22.
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