Johnny Kiyawasew passed away at the age of 11 in 1943 in a small hospital in northern Alberta, far from his family at Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. After being sent to St. Francis Xavier Residential School in Calais, Alta., Johnny never returned home, leaving his family uninformed about his fate for many years.
Robert Kiyawasew, Johnny’s younger brother, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the church regarding Johnny’s death. It wasn’t until 2013 that Johnny’s gravesite was located by his sister Roseann with the help of a private investigator.
Records indicate that Johnny succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis at a hospital in High Prairie, where he was laid to rest, a considerable distance from the residential school. Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the University of Alberta are now engaged in comprehensive research efforts to uncover the stories of children like Johnny who attended residential schools but never returned home.
Sheldon Sunshine, chief of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, emphasized the tragic reality that many children at St. Francis Xavier perished due to tuberculosis and malnutrition, highlighting the human impact of these historical events. Robert Kiyawasew, reflecting on his family’s journey to find Johnny’s grave, expressed gratitude for the closure it brought.
As a survivor of a day school himself, Robert Kiyawasew shared his own experiences of cultural suppression and emphasized the importance of preserving Indigenous heritage. The challenges of obtaining accurate records related to residential schools were outlined by Raymond Frogner of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, pointing out the lack of coordination among different organizations.
Efforts to access historical records have been met with obstacles, with church officials often withholding information unless there are direct family connections. Sunshine raised concerns about the limitations this places on uncovering the truth and finding closure for affected families.
The ongoing work by Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation to piece together the stories of children who never returned from St. Francis Xavier underscores the importance of addressing intergenerational trauma and seeking healing. This collective effort aims to bring closure and understanding to families impacted by the legacy of residential schools.