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(Nadleh Village, British Columbia) — As Nadleh Whut’en begins the next round of ground penetrating radar (GPR) investigations at the former Lejac Residential School site, the Azahne (hereditary leaders) will lead a ceremony to bless the survey crew. Many members of both the Azahne and elected leadership are residential school survivors. The use of GPR surveys is a crucial step in uncovering the truths of the past and is conducted in collaboration with surrounding local First Nations, specialists and support teams dedicated to the respectful and thorough exploration of the site.
Chief Bev Ketlo of Nadleh Whut’en First Nations expressed the significance of the investigation: “This is a deeply emotional step forward for our community. Having our Azahne bless this project is deeply meaningful for us since it demonstrates that the genocidal project of the Indian Residential School System has failed. We are still here, we still practice our traditions, and we still honour our hereditary leaders.”
The investigation is conducted with the utmost respect and sensitivity, guided by Indigenous cultural protocols. Elders and knowledge keepers who survived Lejac make up the Guiding Team, who oversee the work and ensure it is carried out in a manner that honours and respects those lost and survivors remaining.
Nadleh Azahne Martin Louie states, “The investigation is not just about finding remains; it’s about upholding our stories, people, and survivors. It’s about ending the silence to bring about healing for our communities,” he concluded.
The Lejac Indian Residential School was run by the Catholic Church on behalf of the Government of Canada for over 50 years between 1922 and 1976. It is estimated that a minimum of 7,850 Indigenous children attended Lejac Indian Residential School. The first round of GPR began in December 2023 and March 2024. We are still analyzing results and expect to release findings when available.