Suspected grave sites, children's deaths found in probe of B.C. residential school

tween 1948 and 1968.

Plint, who was 77 at the time, was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

NDP MP urges feds to create 'Red Dress Alert' for missing Indigenous women

PORT ALBERNI, B.C. — A Vancouver Island First Nation has announced the detection of 17 suspected unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school, in an emotional event that combined science and ceremony on Tuesday.

The Tseshaht First Nation, which took the lead in an 18-month effort to find potential graves of schoolchildren at the former Alberni Indian Residential School, also said interviews with survivors, historical records and other documents show 67 students died at the school.

``We need to remember that all of these students were just children,'' said Tseshaht Elected Chief Councillor Wahmeesh, whose English name is Ken Watts.

``They were just children. So ? for those of you that are not from our communities, I want you to think about that, think about what would happen today if children who were five years old were removed from their homes.

``That's the reality that our communities have to live with,'' said Wahmeesh, who wore a traditional cedar headband.

The announcement was preceded by drumming and singing, and portions of the event were blacked out in a livestream because of cultural sensitivities.

Many at the ceremony wore orange, the colour that has come to represent those who died and the survivors of Canada's residential schools. Dozens of women slowly danced to the drumming, turning on the spot in their orange shawls.

Children from at least 90 communities spanning more than 70 First Nations attended the school when it operated from 1900 to 1973.

B.C. land surveyor

GeoScan has been work- ing on the project, using ground-penetrating radar to detect possible grave sites at the former school since last July.

Brian Whiting, a geophysics division manager with GeoScan, said at the announcement that the 17 suspected graves represent the minimum number believed to be on 12 of 100 hectares that were searched.

Sheri Meding, the lead researcher who did the work with historical records and survivors' statements, said many of the 67 children had died from medical conditions.

Meding said there were a number of recurring themes when interviewing survivors of the school, including forced abortions, multiple burial locations without markers, students finding skulls and human remains around the grounds and witnessing small coffins being taken out of the building at night.

Wahmeesh said it was essential to embark on what he called ``this journey of truth'' despite the process being difficult for survivors.

He said any legal investigations would have to be done by an independent body with Tseshaht consent, and not by the RCMP, because of the force's role in residential schools and removing children from

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Douglas Hogarth described Plint as a sexual terrorist while also likening the Indian residential school system to ``a form of institutionalized pedophilia.'' their homes.

The Alberni school was also one of six residential sites where the children were subjected to government-sanctioned nutrition experiments without the consent of their parents.

He also called on Canada to conduct a review to determine the RCMP's role in the Alberni school.

``Why we can't just get over it, it's because it takes more than one generation to get over 150 years of colonization and abuse of our people,'' Wahmeesh said.

The Port Alberni site is the latest of several Canadian locations being searched for possible unmarked graves of children who died while being forced to attend residential schools.

In January, officials at the Williams Lake First Nation in B.C.'s Cariboo region said they detected 66 additional ``reflections,'' marking possible graves, during the second phase of the search at former Catholic-run St. Joseph's Mission.

That number was in addition to the 93 possible grave sites already discovered at the former residential school before the latest phase of scanning.

This isn't the first time the Alberni Indian Residential School has been a focal point in the national discussion over the treatment of First Nations children.

In March 1995, former school dormitory supervisor Arthur Henry Plint pleaded guilty to 18 counts of indecent assault be-

The children were sick and malnourished during the experiments from 1942 to 1952. Some were fed lard, broth and bread, while others were fed flour mixtures with vitamins.

Kimberly Murray, the special interlocutor appointed by the federal government to work with Indigenous communities on the unmarked graves around residential school sites, said they need to continue fighting to uncover records that would answer the ``hard questions,'' such as the identity of the missing children and how they died.

Murray told a national gathering in Vancouver in January that survivors of the residential schools have a ``right to know,'' and ``deniers will continue to deny'' without records that document the genocide of Indigenous Peoples.

The topic of residential schools' unmarked graves exploded into public discourse in May 2021, when the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc First Nation announced that more than 200 suspected unmarked graves had been identified on the grounds of a former school in Kamloops, B.C.

The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program has a hotline to help residential school survivors and their relatives suffering with trauma invoked by the recall of past abuse. The number is 1-866-9254419.

TWO ROW TIMES

Ottawa should establish a system that would send the public a phone notification when an Indigenous woman goes missing to ensure that their disappearances stop being ``normalized,'' says an NDP member of Parliament.

Leah Gazan penned a letter to Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino on Friday urging the government to fund what she and other advocates call a ``Red Dress Alert'' program. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Gazan says that while details of the program would have to be negotiated, she imagines it would operate similarly to the Amber Alert, which is an emergency notification people receive on their phones when a child in their region has been abducted or is believed to be in danger.

``We shouldn't have to beg for our safety,'' Gazan said in an interview Wednesday. ``In Canada, we are still begging for safety and to live in dignity as Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.''

Research from across the country, including the 2019 final report from the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, shows that Indigenous people, and women in particular, disappear at a higher rate than people who are not Indigenous.

Gazan said that for years, advocates and the families of missing and murdered women and girls have said there needs to be a faster response by police and other authorities in their cases.

And because Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has recognized the crisis in missing and murdered In- digenous women and girls as a genocide, he must act urgently to better protect them, Gazan said.

It's ``almost as if our disappearances (have) become so normalized that nobody looks for us,'' she added.Setting up a specialized alert system, she said, ``acknowledges the urgency.''

The Winnipeg MP said that if the public is better informed when Indigenous women and girls disappear, it will increase the likelihood that they are found.

``We know that the sooner cases start, the sooner searches start when somebody goes missing, the more likely they are to be found,'' she said, pointing to the success of emergency notification programs for children.

Calls to set up a ``Red Dress Alert'' in Canada are not new, and some advocates have established grassroots-led efforts on their own, such as the Aboriginal Alert website, which publishes timely information and photos of Indigenous people who are missing.

Last year, Washington state established the ``Missing Indigenous Person Alert System,'' adding it to an existing alert system in place to broadcast the disappearances of children and seniors.

While its state patrol says that not every Indigenous person who is missing will qualify for the program, those that do are individuals who go missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances and appear to be vulnerable due to reasons such as age and health.

In her letter sent last week, Gazan pointed to the disappearances and deaths of at least four First Nations women who Winnipeg police believe were murdered by the same man.

Six Nations Council

The GREAT Job Board is brought to you by Employment Ontario and Service Canada. Only local positions are posted in the paper. For more positions in the surrounding area, visit our job board at www.greatsn.com! To apply for funding, book your intake appointment with an ETC by calling 519-445-2222 (Toll-Free long distance at 1-888 218-8230 or email us at info@greatsn.com.

Delmor Jacobs “Dao Jao Dre”

February 2, 1957 - February 24, 2023

With heavy hearts we announce that Delmor Jacobs/Dao Jao Dre, Faithkeeper Lower Cayuga Longhouse has begun his journey to the Spirit World. He is survived by lifelong friend Valerie, children Delmor Jr. (Trudy), Ashlee (Derek), Cody, and Lacy whom were his pride and joys. He was an even prouder Gramps to Daelon, Kobe, Caius, Raynee, Rodderek, Danyka, Cayden, Treyton, Azure Wilma J, Halen and Hendrick. Delmor is predeceased by parents Herbert Jacobs & A. Joan (Crawford) Jacobs and predeceased by mother-in-law Wilma Martin whom he had deep affection for. Survived by many nieces and nephews. Delmor will be missed by friends Kevin Sandy, Carmen Thomas, Ivan Bomberry and Marvin Bomberry. Delmor was a great orator of the Creator’s Game, he loved to share his knowledge of lacrosse which he had done by travelling in Canada, the United States and in his home community. Delmor was a man of many accomplishments during his lifetime, some of his accomplishments include: Faithkeeper Lower Cayuga Longhouse, World lacrosse player, Wall of Fame at Jordan Station Public School, Beamsville Highschool championship football team (where Delmor attended public school and highschool), Lacrosse coach, partner with Out Of The Blue Talent Agency, Employed with Ojistoh, Taught Business to Our Youth, past employee of Six Nations Lands & Membership, Owner of many businesses, co-author of Lacrosse the Ancient Game. Delmor loved dressing as Santa Claus as he loved to see the joy in children’s eyes, their innocence. These were just a few of Delmor’s accomplishments. Delmor was humble and had a good heart and mind. Delmor loved to go for rides, attend his children and grandchildren’s sporting events, attend Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers football games with his sons. Delmor also enjoyed watching the Toronto Maple Leafs with his sons. Delmor leaves a great legacy to his children, grandchildren, family, friends as he helped us to be the people we are today. Delmor’s motto was “Sharing Culture, Sharing Peace”. Resting at 41 Moccasin Trail, Ohsweken after 5 pm. Saturday. Funeral Service and burial at 11 am. Monday, February 27, 2023 at Lower Cayuga Longhouse. Arrangements by Styres Funeral Home. www.rhbanderson.com

QUISSY, Vera Jane

A caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend left this world on February 21, 2023 in her 72nd year. Vera was born to the late Hazel (VanEvery) and Daniel Hill. She was a 1970 graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School and Bryant & Stratton. She was employed by Niagara County Savings Bank and The Cave as a Cave Queen. She was the mother of Vinton (Danielle) Harris and Vanessa Harris. She was a foster mother to Corinna Butler and many others. Vera loved her grandchildren Jacob and Veida Harris; Morgan and Merrick Anderson; and Kinsley Butler. She was the beloved sister of Wayne VanEvery, Elaine Smith, Derry Lou Smiedela, Tanis (Gregory) Greene, Deborah Sue (Peter) Folino, Dolores (late Walter) Hill-Crawford, Denise Walter, Donald Hill, and Dawn C. Hill. Predeceased by siblings Brenda (late George) Howard, Daniel and Darlene Hill, David Hill, Ty (Donna) Hill. She will be sadly missed by her aunts Cao Beaver and Jan Longboat, many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Her caring nature and kindness made her a shoulder to lean on and she was a trusted confident to many. Vera enjoyed a special bond with family and enjoyed many hours gathered around a table storytelling, playing scrabble, euchre, beading and drinking weak tea. She loved cooking for everyone and going to karaoke with her friends. A special thanks to her niece Janet VanEvery for all the loving care she showed Vera. A special thank you to the surgeons and staff at the Hamilton General Hospital for all their heroic efforts and care given to Vera. Visitation at 11 am. with Funeral Service to follow at 2 pm. on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Styres Funeral Home, 1798 Fourth Line Road, Ohsweken. Cremation to follow. Arrangements by Styres Funeral Home. www.rhbanderson.com

STAATS: Linda Irene

To the friends and family of Linda Irene Staats (aka Mumsie or Kwe), Linda began her journey to the spirit world early morning on Monday, February 27th. She left us peacefully at home after her 2nd battle with cancer. She will be missed by all who knew her. Linda is survived by her children Robin Staats, Aaron Staats and the late Christina Staats. Linda was sister to Gary Hill, Joe and Val Sharrow, Fran Hill, Edna Hill, and the late Cindy Hill. She will also be missed by grandchildren Brent Staats, Marc Staats, Dylan Hill, Seth LaForme and Aaron Jr. Staats and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beautiful great grand babies Taylene, Melina and Noah. Visitation will take place at Styres Funeral Home in Ohsweken, Wednesday starting at 2:00 pm. for close family and friends with an evening service for all beginning at 7 pm. Funeral will take place Thursday, March 2nd at 2:00 p.m. also at Styres with a reception to follow at Six Nations Polytechnic. Journey well Mumsie. We love you dearly and will hold you tightly within our hearts. Arrangements by Styres Funeral Home. www.rhbanderson.com

Recovery is a Process (March 4th and March 18th Meetings)

This a 12 Step Recovery Christian based Meeting (Breakfast Included). This program is a workbook study (book is available to purchase) that will teach the practical application of the foundational steps to stable recovery and healing from addictions. Breakfast starts at 8:30am and the meeting is from 9am -11am at St. Luke’s Church basement. Please come with an open mind to share your journey and to strengthen your recovery from addictions. Meeting will be every 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month. Typically runs for 14 weeks. Meetings will be held at St. Luke’s Church basement between 3rd & 4th Line. Contact Dorothy-Lee 778-997-1923.

20. Sodium

21. Manning and Lilly are two

24. Where golfers begin

27. Entrapped

30. Influential punk artist

31. Hebrew calendar month

33. Car mechanics group

34. Undesirable rodent

35. Minneapolis suburb

37. Witch

39. Get free of

41. A written proposal or reminder

42. British School

44. Country on west coast of Africa

47. Cool!

48. Information

49. __ route

50. Jim Nantz’s network

52. Something to register (abbr.)

53. Give cards incorrectly

56. One who’s learning on the job

61. Stevenson adventure novel

63. Taking careful notice

64. CNN’s founder

65. Speak badly of CLUES DOWN

1. A person with unusual powers of foresight

2.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Take a few deep breaths before forging ahead with a plan that you have in mind, Aries. You might need to think things through a little more in the days to come.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, when a new opportunity arises, you may feel like a fish out of water until you get into a routine. After that learning period, things will come more easily.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, do not wait around for change to come. Sometimes you have to get the ball rolling yourself. Put plans in motion and figure out who will join you.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, right now is a big waiting game, and that could have you feeling a bit frustrated. If you are ready for action, take on a hobby or something else to stay busy.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

32. Hindu model of ideal man

Single sheet of glass

3. Portrays a character

4. Expresses happiness

5. Acquires

6. “The Martian” author

7. Degree

8. 60-minute intervals

9. A detective’s pal

10. Group of nations (abbr.)

11. Popular Georgia rockers

12. Fencing swords

13. Basement

14. Samoan monetary unit

17. Male parent

22. Finnish lake

23. A smooth fabric

24. Arctic explorers (abbr.)

25. Mild yellow Dutch cheese

26. Very willing

28. Expressed pleasure

29. Lasso

36. Move your head in approval

38. Ill-__: gained illegally

40. Die

43. Accused publicly

44. Precious stone

45. Individual thing or person

46. Behaved in a way that degraded

51. Derogatory term

54. No seats available

55. Liability

56. Popular beverage

57. Tough outer skin of fruit

58. __ Spumante (Italian wine)

59. Troubles

60. Negative

62. Camper

Leo, you may get wind that others are talking about you when you are not around. Remember that all publicity is good publicity. You’re on their minds and that’s important.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, after a few tumultuous months, you finally get into a groove and forge a new path for yourself. You may be surprised by what comes your way.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You may joke about something that someone else takes very seriously, Libra. Be careful with your words to avoid offending someone you care about.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

You may have a lot of ideas, Scorpio, but it is essential to figure out funding if those plans are to be put in motion. This includes home improvements.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, it’s time to embrace your love of culture, as you need to start pushing the creative side rather than the analytical one. Visit a museum when time permits.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Opportunity awaits if you know where to look, Capricorn. A new business venture could be right around the corner. Start thinking of ways to get involved.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, big project is finished and you could not be happier. That pressure may have been weighing you down and now you have more free time.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, your own mind could be your only obstacle this week. Clear this mental hurdle and enjoy the challenges ahead.