In 1943, 11-year-old Johnny Kiyawasew passed away at a small hospital in northern Alberta, far from his family at Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. Johnny, a student at St. Francis Xavier Residential School in Calais, never returned home, leaving his family unaware of his fate for many years. His younger brother, Robert Kiyawasew, expressed frustration that their father was never informed of Johnny’s death by the church.
After a long search, Johnny’s gravesite was discovered in 2013 by his sister Roseann with the help of a private investigator. Johnny died of pulmonary tuberculosis in a hospital in High Prairie, where he was laid to rest, a considerable distance from the residential school.
Presently, the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the University of Alberta are engaged in extensive research to uncover the stories of children like Johnny who attended residential schools but never made it back home. Chief Sheldon Sunshine revealed that research indicates many children at St. Francis Xavier succumbed to tuberculosis and malnutrition, emphasizing the human toll of the tragic circumstances faced at the school.
Robert Kiyawasew, grateful for finding Johnny’s grave, now visits it regularly, reflecting on the somber reality of his brother’s lonely resting place. As a survivor of a day school himself, Robert shared how he and his siblings suffered similarly at St. Francis Xavier, experiencing cultural suppression and punishment for speaking their language.
Research difficulties surrounding residential school records were highlighted by Raymond Frogner, pointing out the disorganization and unreliability of these records managed by various entities. Chief Sunshine recounted challenges faced in obtaining crucial documents, underscoring the importance of piecing together the narratives of lost children to bring closure to affected families and address intergenerational trauma.
Despite obstacles, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation remains committed to uncovering the untold stories of children who never returned from St. Francis Xavier, emphasizing the need for closure and healing within the community.
