Nine teepees mark the site where a Saskatchewan residential school once stood. (Facebook/Everett Gamble)

By Nigel Maxwell

Residential schools

Former students of St. Michael’s residential school return to ground zero to find closure

Aug 4, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Hundreds of former students of St Michael’s residential school near Duck Lake have come together this week for a special and emotional event.

The week long gathering was the idea of Elders and council at Beardy’s Okemasis Cree Nation. Fenton Favel attended the school from 1979 to 1987 and was only 12 when he first arrived. He told paNOW he is grateful for the opportunity to share his own story in a safe space.

“It’s a good experience and I think what they are doing here is a excellent idea,” he said.

Acknowledging his own mix of good and bad feelings about being back, Favel said he has found comfort being around his peers.

“Sometimes I don’t want to be here anymore but it’s something I have to live with that I am a survivor and will always be a survivor until the day I meet the creator,” he said.

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

3h ago

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

9h ago

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

Dec 13, 2024

Coun. Delano Mike helped organize the event and said the discovery of the 215 unmarked graves at the Kamloops area residential school, has had a far reaching impact across the country. He explained the Elders in his community wanted a way to provide local people with peace of mind.

“We wanted to bring them back here so they can end the emotions that they feel about past traumas here at ground zero,” he said.

Former students have travelled from all corners of the province. (Submitted photo/Delano Mike)

In addition to healing circles and workshops to help people find closure, some live entertainment has also been lined up for the week including well known comedian Don Burnstick and musician Colton Mike.

“We didn’t want it to be all somber. We didn’t want there be an energy where everyone was just low,” Coun. Mike explained.

Upwards of 750 former students are expected to attend the gathering this week. Mike explained a number of COVID related protocols are in place this week to ensure peoples’ safety, including temperature checks, enhanced cleaning, and social distancing.

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Chief Bobby Cameron was expected to be in attendance and Mike explained they will discuss the next steps with respect to pursuing an apology from the church, and whether the community will pursue ground penetrating radar like what’s being done by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band or at Delmas.

–

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell