Unmarked Graves Found at Lejac Indian Residential School Site

A Groundbreaking Discovery in Northwest B.C., Bringing Closure to Survivors and Families

A team of experts from Nadleh Whut’en First Nation has confirmed the identification of potential unmarked graves at the newly-dug site of the former Lejac Indian Residential School, located near Fraser Lake. The discovery comes after years of searching using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and magnetometry to detect irregularities underground.

According to Nadleh Whut’en Chief Beverly Ketlo, the preliminary findings reveal geophysical signatures consistent with burials, bringing hope to survivors and families who have been waiting for answers for decades. The research has been ongoing since 2021, building on Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation's revelation of around 200 potential burial sites at another former Indian residential school in Kamloops.

Lejac Indian Residential School, which operated from 1922 to 1976, was attended by over 7,850 Indigenous children, including day scholars. During its operation, students were subjected to harsh conditions such as forced labor, abuse, and the loss of cultural identity. The school's cemetery had long been known to survivors, but recent surveys suggest there may be additional unmarked graves that have not been accounted for.

Chief Ketlo emphasized the significance of this discovery, saying that it is "not just a thing of the past...but the horrors experienced at Lejac are still very real for the survivors who lived through this 'genocide'." She also acknowledged that the work is ongoing and has provided no immediate plans for excavation or exhumation.

The federal government has committed to funding these efforts, with estimated spending of around 20 years to uncover the full truth about missing children from residential schools across Canada. The discovery serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring trauma experienced by Indigenous survivors of residential schools and highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring their histories.

For those affected by the residential school system, support is available through the 24-hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.

As researchers continue to analyze data from GPR and magnetometry surveys, Nadleh Whut’en remains committed to uncovering the truth about Lejac's dark past and delivering justice to those affected.