
First Nation in southwestern Ont. investigating grounds of former residential school
CBC
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is leading an investigation into possible unmarked burial sites at the former Mount Elgin Industrial Residential School outside of London, Ont.
Kelly Riley, director of treaty, lands and environment for First Nation, announced the investigation in a live video ceremony Thursday, filmed in front of the memorial honouring the children forced to attend.
He said that the investigation would "close a chapter."
"I think that might be one of the end goals, you know, in this whole investigation is to reach a point in time, using the best resources available, to put to rest some of the rumours," he said.
The first stage of the investigation involves archival research into government records and the churches associated with the residential school. It operated from 1851 to 1946, first by the Wesleyan Methodist Society, and later by the United Church. Riley said this stage was crucial, as there are few survivors of the school.
He said one of the key aims of the investigation is to develop a timeline of events, and identify the names of the students who attended.
The second stage will be "ground truthing," using technology such as drones and ground-penetrating radar to determine if there are remains on the school grounds.

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