Messages From Leadership
In 2021, English River First Nation began to conduct research at the former Beauval Indian Residential School site. In 2023, the first phase of research was completed, and it was announced that there were 93 possible unmarked burial sites in and around the mission cemetery.
In May 2025, we received a report from Askihk Research Services Inc., a ground penetrating radar (GPR) service. The report identified an additional 60 areas that require further investigation.
We listened to survivor accounts, which led us to search these high-priority areas. Sadly, the devastating stories of tragedy and loss from our Elders continue to be verified. We are shocked and saddened by this recent update.
The 2024 search focused on the cemetery and surrounding area, as well as the lower fields where the residential school buildings stood—both the original wooden structure and the large brick building.
At this time, we cannot say with certainty what these areas represent; however, when considered in combination with survivors’ accounts, they are areas of interest. We have made the decision to protect these areas while the work continues. Highly visible barriers and markers will be placed over these areas of interest, and a professional security team will keep a watchful eye.
As leaders, we stand beside each and every one of you in collective grief and sorrow at this time. We know that everyone is deeply impacted by this news, including our community health staff. We have reached out to the Meadow Lake Tribal Council who are mobilizing their mental health services for member nations. The Metis Nation Saskatchewan has also been notified.
On-site, there will be a presentation by Askihk Research Services on Friday, May 30, 2025. This will be an opportunity to learn about the search methods and technology utilized, as well as a summary of the 2024 report. Due to the media embargo, this presentation will not be broadcast in any manner and will only be available to those present on-site at that time. CEO of Askihk Research Services, Micaela Champagne and ERFN Project Manager Dawn McIntyre will be available to answer questions from community members and visitors at that time.
Previously planned search activities for this season began on May 26th and will continue until June 10th. The continued search includes Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Shallow Subsurface Soil Spectroscopy (S4), and Human Remains Detection Dogs (HRDD).
We have so much more work to do and a lot more ground to cover. We will not stop looking for the children who were lost and never returned home.
As a small community, each and every one of us is deeply impacted by this report and we are overwhelmed by these developments. We ask our community members and all Indigenous people to help one another, protect one another, and most importantly comfort one another. Indigenous people are strong and resilient. Together we will overcome this devastating tragedy and we will rise up even stronger, just as our ancestors taught us.
Over the coming days and weeks, all of our relatives are welcome to visit, observe the search activities, leave offerings, perform ceremony, and pray. Mental health support will be available on-site.