Johnny Kiyawasew passed away at the age of 11 in 1943 at a local hospital in northern Alberta, far from his family of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. He was compelled to attend St. Francis Xavier Residential School in Calais, Alta., where he never returned home, leaving his siblings unaware of his fate for many years.
Robert Kiyawasew, Johnny’s younger brother, expressed dismay over the lack of communication from the school and church regarding Johnny’s passing. After a prolonged quest for answers, Robert’s older sister Roseann, aided by a private investigator, located Johnny’s gravesite in 2013.
Records indicate that Johnny succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis at a hospital in High Prairie and was laid to rest there, more than 75 kilometers away from the residential school. Presently, the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the University of Alberta are engaged in extensive research to unveil the stories of children like Johnny, some of whom, including several relatives, never returned from residential schools.
Chief Sheldon Sunshine of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation revealed that research findings point to numerous children at St. Francis Xavier succumbing to tuberculosis and malnutrition. He emphasized the human aspect of the data, highlighting the tragedy of children perishing due to poor living conditions at the school.
Robert Kiyawasew, grateful for his sister’s efforts in locating Johnny’s grave, now visits it regularly, reflecting on the solitary resting place. Having experienced similar hardships at the school, he stressed the importance of preserving Native culture and heritage.
Raymond Frogner, from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, noted the challenges in accessing residential school records due to their disorganization and inconsistencies. Church records are often unavailable or withheld, impeding efforts to uncover the truth.
Chief Sunshine lamented the obstacles faced by researchers in obtaining crucial information from church officials, emphasizing the importance of preserving the children’s stories for closure and healing within the community. The pursuit of these narratives is essential to addressing intergenerational trauma and honoring the children who never made it home.
