Johnny Kiyawasew, an 11-year-old boy from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, passed away in 1943 at a hospital in northern Alberta, far from his family. He was sent to the St. Francis Xavier Residential School in Calais, Alta., and never returned home, leaving his family unaware of his fate for many years.
Robert Kiyawasew, Johnny’s younger brother, expressed frustration at the lack of communication regarding Johnny’s death. Despite decades of unanswered questions, in 2013, Johnny’s grave was located by his sister Roseann with the help of a private investigator.
Johnny’s cause of death was recorded as pulmonary tuberculosis, and he was buried in High Prairie, more than 75 kilometers away from the residential school. Currently, efforts by the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the University of Alberta are underway to research and reveal the stories of children like Johnny who attended residential schools but never returned home.
Sheldon Sunshine, the Chief of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, highlighted the tragic reality that many children at St. Francis Xavier succumbed to conditions like tuberculosis and malnutrition, emphasizing the human impact of these historical events.
Robert Kiyawasew, grateful for finding his brother’s resting place, visits Johnny’s grave regularly and reflects on the loneliness of the site. As a survivor of a day school himself, he emphasized the importance of preserving Native culture and heritage.
Raymond Frogner, from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, noted the challenges in obtaining accurate records from residential schools due to disorganization and lack of cooperation among overseeing entities. Despite obstacles, efforts continue to piece together the stories of children who never returned home from St. Francis Xavier.
The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation remains committed to uncovering the truth and finding closure for families affected by the legacy of residential schools. Chief Sunshine emphasized the importance of this work in addressing intergenerational trauma.
For emotional support and crisis referral services, individuals can contact the national 24-hour Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 or access mental health counseling and crisis support through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or online chat.