Province, City Acquire Turtle Crossing Campground to Protect Residential School Burial Site

(file photo)

The Manitoba government has partnered with the City of Brandon to acquire Turtle Crossing Campground, a confirmed burial site associated with the former Brandon Indian Residential School, Premier Wab Kinew announced today.

“This land contains the buried remains of children who attended the Brandon Indian Residential School and their existence has been documented for more than 100 years,” said Kinew. “These graves have been known about since long before the invention of ground-penetrating radar.”

The Brandon Indian Residential School opened in 1895. Historical records indicate that a cemetery where children from the school were buried was established south of the site near the Assiniboine River and was used from 1895 to 1912. In 1921, the grave markers were removed as the area was converted into a suburban park. The burial ground was commemorated in 1963 and formally marked in 1970. In 2001, the land was sold and developed as Turtle Crossing Campground.

Future decisions regarding the site will be guided by survivors, affected First Nations, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, whose member communities include many of the children buried there, and Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, which has stepped up as a steward of its traditional territory to help ensure the area is honoured, protected and cared for in a manner that respects its sacred significance, the premier noted.

“This is important work for our nation and for Indigenous peoples across Canada,” said Chief Jennifer Bone, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. “Sioux Valley Dakota Nation’s investigation is Indigenous led, with specialized support for a careful, non-invasive search. Technical expertise and community knowledge will guide the work, with respect for the children, their families and this sacred site at every stage.”

Historical records indicate that unmarked graves are located within portions of the campground, including areas that were previously fenced off to protect known burial locations. Church records and provincial vital statistics files have documented the cemetery for generations, and it remains within living memory for many families, the premier added.

“We commend the Manitoba government for acquiring this sacred land and acknowledging its significance as the burial place of First Nations children, including 56 ancestors from eight nations in the MKO region,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. “We are grateful for the relentless advocacy of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. Finally, after many years, we can uphold our responsibilities to those who came before us and preserve this sacred place for generations to come.”

The acquisition of the Turtle Crossing Campground and protection of the Brandon Indian Residential School cemetery mark an important step in the Manitoba government’s commitment to truth, reconciliation and the protection of residential school burial sites, the premier noted.