No unmarked graves connected to former Shubenacadie Residential School found during search

Technologies including aerial laser scanning and ground-penetrating radar were used in the search

 By: HalifaxToday Staff

A Nova Scotia First Nation says no unmarked graves have been found connected to a former residential school in the province.

A survey team led by Saint Mary’s University archaeologist Dr. Jonathan Fowler and Roger Lewis, the Mi’kmaq cultural heritage curator for the Nova Scotia Museum, examined large tracts of land encompassing the former Shubenacadie Residential School grounds and the surrounding farm land.

Technologies used included aerial laser scanning and ground-penetrating radar.

“While our search did identify evidence of unmarked graves, these pre-date the period of the residential school by about 100 years and are connected to former land-owners,” said Dr. Fowler.

Sipekne’katik First Nation Chief Mike Sack said this was the outcome they were hoping for.

“We know that people need closure and healing, we want our community and all Mi’kmaq people to know that we will re-open the search at any time if there is information that can provide further insights,” he said.

More than one thousand unmarked graves have been discovered on the sites of former residential schools across the country.