Eight anomalies found in George Gordon First Nation's search of unmarked graves

George Gordon First Nation released the findings of its search for unmarked graves near the site of a former residential school on Friday. 

During the surveying, eight anomalies consistent in size, shape, and pattern of graves or burials were discovered.

"It is with heavy heart today that we announce the finding from phase two of the search for unmarked graves,” Chief Shawn Longman of the George Gordon First Nation said on Friday. 

The unmarked graves were found in one of two zones which will require further investigation.

They are in Zone D, the area known as the old school where the George Gordon Residential School was.

"I’m not surprised, you know, with all of the news that going on across Canada of other unmarked graves,” said Longman. 

George Gordon First Nation Chief Shawn Longman said it’s important to uncover the truth especially with Truth and Reconciliation Day coming up. 

"A lot of times, people don't believe until they actually see results. And that's why it's important for us to get this information out. And, when you take a look at the history of Canada, and even the agreements that have been made originally, the treaty agreements and then those other agreements that come alongside of it, the First Nations and rights have always been oppressed and overlooked," he said. 

Eight anomalies consistent in size, shape, and pattern of graves or burials were discovered during the second phase of George Gordon First Nations' search for unmarked graves. (Angela Stewart / CTV News) In April of 2022, George Gordon First Nation announced the discovery of 14 possible burial sites.

The search has been conducted in two phases. Phase 1 began in 2021 and included a survey while the process moved to Phase 2 in the fall of 2023.

"During this time around, we did a water search as well. Just beside both on the west side and the east side where the building is located are two slews and those are definitely areas of interest,” said Sarah Longman, the Committee Chair for the George Gordon First Nation. 

• Get the CTV News app for Saskatchewan breaking news alerts and top stories 

The team plans to expand the search area before moving into Phase 3. 

"We've got a long way to go. We've done two years, and you think about the length of the school has been open. There was much more work to do in the searching and locating other unmarked graves,” Sarah Longman said. 

Gordon’s Indian Residential School was established as a dayschool by the Anglican Church of Canada in 1876 before expanding in 1888 to include student housing.

Gordon's Indian Residential School is seen in this undated image. The school was destroyed in a fire in 1929 – but was rebuilt. The residence was closed in 1996.

Councillor Joe McNab was a student at school and believes there could be more graves found.

"There's got to be more graves out there because from the 1800's, there's a lot of trees that grew. Theres a lot of shrubs that grow over all these graves and I believe there has to be more searches there,” he said.  

George Gordon First Nation is located approximately 115 kilometres north of Regina.

If you are a former residential school student in distress or have been affected by the residential school system and need help, you can contact the 24-hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419, or the Indian Residential School Survivors Society toll free line at 1-800-721-0066.