George Gordon First Nation to announce results of geophysical investigation

WARNING: This story contains distressing details.

George Gordon First Nation's chief and council and the George Gordon Indian Residential School Cemetery Committee are set to announce the results of a geophysical investigation Wednesday afternoon. 

A news release from the community, located about 95 kilometres north of Regina, was scarce with details but said work was underway for months and the work was difficult. 

The release said Wednesday's announcement would include results from the first geophysical investigation. It wasn't immediately clear if more work was underway or if more investigations were completed. 

Chief Byron Bitternose is expected to address the media at 3 p.m. CST on Wednesday. 

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation's memorial for children who died or went missing at residential schools lists nearly 50 names tied to the institution at Gordon's. 

The institution was established in 1876 by the Anglican Church of Canada, which operated it until 1946, when it was taken over by the Indian and Eskimo Welfare Commission and eventually the government of Canada. 

It was expanded in 1888 to house students before the first rendition was destroyed by fire in 1929. It was rebuilt, but issues with water and maintenance would leave it closed again for extended periods of time between 1947 and 1953.

It would become one of the last residential schools to close in the country when it shuttered in 1996.

Shattering the Silence: The Hidden History of Indian Residential Schools in Saskatchewan ebook, published by the University of Regina, cites federal government documents linking a few student deaths and the decades of sexual abuse which took place at Gordon's.

In 1993 a former employee pled guilty to charges related to sexual assaulting students at the institution's residence between 1968 and 1984.

More to come.  

Support is available for anyone affected by their experience at residential schools, and those who are triggered by the latest reports.

A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419. A Saskatchewan-based line is now available by calling 306-522-7494.