(WARNING: Some content in this story may be distressing to some individuals. A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has established to provide crisis and emotional support. 1-866-925-4419 is a 24-hour hotline.)
The former Muscowequan Indian Residential School in Lestock is now a national historic site.
The federal government made the designation as the building is the last standing residential school in Saskatchewan.
The school was constructed nearly 100 years ago and was saved from demolition by former survivors and community members who see it as an important site that bears witness to the history of residential schools, and hope to repurpose it into a place of commemoration, healing, and cultural learning.
At least 35 unmarked graves have been found on the former school property since the 1990s.
“The designation of Muscowequan Indian Residential School as a national historic site will ensure all Canadians and the world learn the truth about the atrocities that occurred in these schools,” said Muskowekwan First Nation Chief Reginal Bellerose. “Far too long, our survivors have lived through this dark history without recognition but today marks a new era of reconciliation and learning. We have suffered too long from this sad chapter in Canadian history which has long lasting impacts in our communities. We can now speak our truth and have a building that will tell our story from our perspective.”
The school closed in 1997, making it one of the last close in the country. The Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Final Report called on the federal government to make designations on former residential schools.
(Photo of the Muscowequan Indian Residential School. Courtesy of the National Trust of Canada.)