In 1943, Johnny Kiyawasew, an 11-year-old from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, passed away at a small hospital in northern Alberta after being sent to St. Francis Xavier Residential School in Calais, Alta. His family was kept in the dark about his fate for many years, with his younger brother, Robert Kiyawasew, expressing frustration over the lack of communication from the church regarding Johnny’s death.
After a lengthy search, Johnny’s gravesite was discovered in 2013 by his sister, Roseann, with the help of a private investigator. Provincial records indicate that Johnny succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis at a hospital in High Prairie, where he was laid to rest, far from his residential school.
Currently, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the University of Alberta are engaged in extensive research to shed light on the experiences of children like Johnny who attended residential schools and never returned home. Chief Sheldon Sunshine revealed that research indicates many children at St. Francis Xavier died due to tuberculosis and malnutrition, highlighting the tragic impact of the harsh living conditions.
Robert Kiyawasew, reflecting on his family’s journey to find Johnny’s grave, emphasized the emotional toll of uncovering the truth. As a survivor of a day school himself, he recounted the mistreatment and suppression of Indigenous culture experienced by his siblings and himself at the hands of the residential school system.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s records reveal the grim conditions at St. Francis Xavier and the challenges in obtaining accurate historical information due to the disorganized nature of residential school records managed by various entities.
Chief Sunshine expressed frustration at the obstacles faced in accessing church records, which often contain vital information but are difficult to obtain. Despite these challenges, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation remains committed to honoring the memory of children who never returned from residential schools and seeking closure for affected families.
The ongoing efforts to piece together the stories of these lost children are crucial for addressing intergenerational trauma within Indigenous communities. The quest for truth and closure continues, underscoring the importance of preserving and sharing these untold histories.