WLFN Announces Results of Phase 1 Investigation at Former St. Joseph’s Mission

On January 25, 2022, Kukpi7 Willie Sellars and the Council of Williams Lake First Nation announced the preliminary results of Phase 1 of the geophysical investigation at the former St. Joseph’s Mission (SJM) site. Phase 1 of the ongoing investigation surveyed 14 hectares of the site, with 93 reflections indicating potential human burials.

We honour all of the children who never made it home from the former SJM and all residential institutions. We sit with this Truth that all residential school survivors, families, and communities have carried for so long before these announcements.

We mourn the loss of these spirits and those who have been and will be found in similar ongoing investigations across Canada. We stand with Williams Lake First Nation as they share this most difficult Truth and shine a light on the path to long-term healing; and as they prepare to continue the investigation of the 480-hectare site, conduct additional research and survivor interviews, and engage with affected communities and provincial and federal governments.

We acknowledge the collective trauma and grief of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people as we come to terms with this Truth of Canada’s living history.

We honour all Indigenous children and Peoples. Let us stand by each other during this time of grief. May we continue to have the courage to face the truth, learn from it, demand accountability, and take action.

If you or someone you know needs support, the following resources are available:

IRSSS Toll-Free Line: 1-800-721-0066

24-Hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419

KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717

Tsow-Tun-Le Lum: 1-866-925-4419