Tla’amin Nation Statement on the shíshálh Nation Ground Penetrating Radar Project at St. Augustine’s Residential School
August 15, 2025
Today, our relatives in shíshálh Nation have released the results of the second phase of their archaeological investigation into unmarked burials at the site of St. Augustine’s Indian Residential School. This was the main institution that Tla’amin children were forced to attend from 1904 to 1975.
Every Tla’amin family will be touched by this news, and we know it will bring up deep feelings and painful memories for Tla’amin Indian Residential School survivors and their descendants.
The truth of what happened at St. Augustine’s is not new to us. These truths have been passed down in our oral histories and are recorded in the files of government and church. For many of our families, these truths have been locked away, too painful to look at or to speak about.
These latest findings confirm what our people have always known: many children did not make it home. This truth can feel impossible to make sense of, and while each of us receives this news in our own way, we remind all Tla’amin people that you are not alone.
Whether it is a listening ear, a hand to hold, or another kind of support needed, Tla’amin Health is a safe place to receive confidential help and is open for drop in all day today.
We have members of our team that are prepared to speak with you one-on-one, including clinical counselling and Elder(s) on site. Refreshments will be provided. You can also call 604.483.3009 to schedule an introductory session with our mental health therapists. Additional ways to access support:
| Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 | Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419 |
| This 24/7 service is available to all Indigenous peoples in Canada. Call 1-855-242-3310 for immediate, confidential support. | If you are experiencing distress related to residential schools, call 1-866-925-4419. This line is staffed by experienced and culturally sensitive counsellors. |
We thank the shíshálh Nation for undertaking this difficult and important work. Their careful listening to survivors, respectful use of Ground Penetrating Radar, and commitment to protecting these sites bring honour to those who were taken and to the communities still grieving them.
shíshálh Nation press release and video
Watch shíshálh video and read their release here: https://shishalh.com/2025/08/15/shishalh-residential-school-survivors-lead-researchers-to-locate-an-additional-41-unmarked-graves/