Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation faced a tragic loss in 1943 when 11-year-old Johnny Kiyawasew passed away in a hospital in northern Alberta, far from his family. Johnny, who had been compelled to attend St. Francis Xavier Residential School in Calais, Alberta, never returned home, leaving his relatives uninformed about his fate for many years.
Robert Kiyawasew, Johnny’s younger brother, expressed his dismay at the lack of communication regarding Johnny’s death, sharing that his parents were unaware and a death certificate was issued without their knowledge. After extensive efforts, Johnny’s gravesite was eventually located in High Prairie in 2013, shedding light on his final resting place.
Recent initiatives by Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the University of Alberta focus on researching the stories of children like Johnny who attended residential schools and never returned home. Chief Sheldon Sunshine highlighted the heartbreaking reality that many children at St. Francis Xavier succumbed to conditions like tuberculosis and malnutrition, emphasizing the personal impact of these tragedies.
Robert Kiyawasew, reflecting on his family’s journey to find closure, regularly visits Johnny’s grave, a poignant reminder of the past. As a survivor of a day school himself, Robert emphasized the importance of preserving Native culture and heritage, condemning the mistreatment experienced by Indigenous individuals.
Raymond Frogner, overseeing research at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, discussed the challenges of obtaining accurate residential school records, citing discrepancies and lack of cooperation among various organizations responsible for maintaining these records. Despite obstacles, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation remains committed to uncovering the stories of children who never made it back from St. Francis Xavier, recognizing the essential role of acknowledging past traumas and seeking closure for affected families.
For support and assistance, emotional and crisis referral services are available through the national 24-hour Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419, as well as mental health counseling and crisis support via the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or online chat.
