Historical Timeline
1886
day school established on Muskowekwan First Nation
1889
the day school begins accepting boarders
1930-31
a new residential school building is constructed, replacing the 1895 school. It is completed in May 1931
1981
the school and its property are claimed by Muskowekwan First Nation as part of its unfulfilled land entitlement
1997
June 30, the residence closes
“We love our children”
Sadly, for the Muskowekwan nation, it has been a reality and a way of life, that we were born into this legacy of cultural genocide for the 111 years that the residential school was in operation. We all share this tragic history. We have known our truths for generations. It was a known fact that there were unmarked burial sites in and around the residential school. When the structure that is presently standing was built in 1930 some graves were moved. An elder shared that in 1944 a priest ordered the remaining graves to be levelled. In the early I 980’s as part of reclaiming our history the spelling for the name of the school and the First Nation was changed from Muscowequan to Muskowekwan
In July 1992, a contractor uncovered 19 more graves mere metres behind the residential school when digging for a sewer line. Construction continued and contractors bagged the remains they found, for disposal. When leadership was notified, all work was stopped. The community experienced more trauma, shock, grief, anger disbelief and hurt. Elders and Knowledge Keepers from the Nations including Muskowekwan, Daystar, Kawacatoose, George Gordon, Fishing Lake and Yellowquill were called upon. Out of respect for the diversity of these 7 nations, all were gathered in ceremony to determine the steps moving forward. The remains were buried in a new location. Staff residences from the site were relocated. Other unmarked graves remain behind the residential school.
In 2018, The leadership of the time continued the search for unmarked graves and began discussions on the designation for the school site. Muskowekwan leadership past and present continue to honour the resilience of survivors, former students, descendants and members by engaging, and informing them as we move through the process.
In 2018, the community identified a need for a Wellness Healing Centre.
By 2021, The Designation process was completed proposals were drafted and submitted to federal and non government agencies to cover specific projects. Events began in earnest after these proposal driven projects were approved.
On June 1, 2021, a community gathering, and ceremony was held in recognition of those who perished at residential schools.
June 22, 202, the leadership of the 7 nations, elders, and survivors began the process of looking at historical records and identifying possible sites for Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) work.
In August 2021, The Muskowekwan Historical Site Advisory Group (MHSAG) officially formed. The group has established the following guidelines:
- Monthly meetings set for the 1st Wednesday of each month.
- Core values established (love, respect, honesty, humility, courage/bravery, wisdom and the foundation, truth)
- Membership includes elders, survivors, former students and other members.