LGMA acknowledgement of the unmarked gravesites located at former St. Augustine’s Residential School on shíshálh Nation territory (Sechelt, BC) 


The LGMA acknowledges with heavy hearts the news of 41 additional unmarked gravesites identified by archaeologists, bringing the community total to 81, on the territories of the shíshálh Nation in BC. In 2023, the shíshálh Nation announced the first results of the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans within the areas in and around the former St. Augustine’s Residential School grounds. In the last 18 months since, the GPR team has been scanning additional areas identified through the stories and memories of shíshálh Survivors. Read the full announcement, including words from Chief Lenora Joe, on the shíshálh Nation website.


Our deepest condolences go out to the people of the shíshálh Nation. The LGMA acknowledges the immense pain and compounded grief experienced by Indigenous communities around the country. We acknowledge that this news can be triggering. We encourage local governments to honour the compounded and ongoing pain and grief Indigenous communities are experiencing by considering the ways in which they can support Indigenous peoples and First Nations governments. We encourage non-Indigenous leaders to read and reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s “Canada’s Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials” Report; from this important report, we recognize that the immense grief felt by Indigenous peoples represents only a fraction of this horrific reality that continues to grow with each discovery of unmarked graves. We remain committed to assisting local governments to implement the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report of 2015.


We share the following resources, knowing that Indigenous peoples impacted by this news may need support and we encourage local governments to share contact information to support in their community:


  • The Indian and Residential Schools Survivors and Family Crisis and Support line: https://www.irsss.ca or 1 (800) 721-0066 or 1 (866) 925-4419
  • KUU-US Crisis Line for First Nations, by First Nations, offered by FNHA 1-800-588-8717; Adult/Elder line: 250-723-4050; Child/Youth line: 250-723-2040;
  • Aboriginal Wellness Program 604-675-2551 or 1-866-884-0888
  • Canadian Mental Health Association - British Columbia Division 1-800-555-8222