Archaeological Materials from the BIRS Site

-Ashley Austin

The summer field season for our team consists of much geo-physical survey methods

throughout different areas of Brandon Residential School site. However, before such surveying

can begin, a site must be prepped and cleaned up. Part of this clean-up process consists of

clearing the area of fallen tree branches, cutting the grass, and metal detecting the area to remove

any metal that may interfere with the geo-physical surveys, such as the Ground Penetrating

Rader (GPR) and Electromagnetic (EM) surveys. During this clean-up process, our team

discovered many buckets and metal objects near the surface of the ground, but also a number of

deeper readings in one concentrated area noted by the metal detector.

Marking off the trench area

A permit was be obtained from the Province’s Historic Research Branch (HRB) to dig 1 x 1-meter units, as well as some smaller test units, to remove the metal material beneath. This concentrated area was called

Trench A, as it was an already partially dug out area that was likely once used as a root cellar and

then eventually a garbage pit. A total of five units or “clusters” were dug out next to each other

and each varied in depth depending on the material removed. Cluster D, which was the first unit

dug to the depth of 100 centimeters (cm), revealed a large metal pipe, a metal hand crank, many

pieces of fragmented rusted metal from cans and buckets, as well as a collection of ceramic plate

and cup pieces, enamel cookware, and plastic toys. Some of the material showed signs of

burning and melting, which provided further evidence that this area was used to burn garbage.

Team members removing the grass

The material collected from this area tells a story of the Brandon Residential School. The

many buckets collected from this area would have been used to collect water and feed the

livestock at the school. The ceramic pieces of plate ware and cups likely belonged to the staff or

principal, and the enamel cookware used in the kitchens. Other material at this site, such as an

American penny from the year 1942 help to date the use of this area, as well as a collection of

broken glass mason jars and sealers indicate that this area was likely used to store food supplies.

Be sure to check back soon for a future post of photographed material from this area!

Trench A, East View

Honoring Residential School Survivors: Student Lists/Nominal Rolls

As part of our ongoing work, we are continuing to build and update our memorial lists, nominal rolls, and students lists connected to the Brandon Residential School (BIRS). These lists are an important part of our collective effort to honor and remember:

• All Sioux Valley Dakota Nation community members, both living and deceased, who attended any Residential School in Canada.

Below are the nominal rolls complied to date. If you do not see your name or the name of a loved one included in the current memorial lists, please reach out to us. You can fill out the form at the bottom of the "Investigation" page of this website (https://www.birsinvestigation.com/investigation), or contact us directly by email.

Every name added helps us preserve this history and ensure that the experiences and resilience of Survivors and their families are properly recognized and remembered.

**Some names may not be displayed on the nominal rolls based on the wishes of the Survivor.

Thank you for your continued support and participation in this important work.

Do you recognize anyone in these photographs?

In the Fall, a member of our team was able to go to the Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa to transcribe and take photographs from a Souvenir Year Book from the Brandon Residential School from 1939-1940. This yearbook contains numerous photographs of students and staff and, we are reaching out to the community for assistance in identifying the people pictured in this yearbook. We will be posting more photographs throughout the year, so please come back often to check for new posts!

How you can help

If you believe you recognize anyone in the yearbook photos, please contact us. We understand the sensitivity of this information and will handle all communications with the utmost respect and confidentiality.

We recognize that viewing these images may be emotionally challenging for survivors and their families. Support services area available for those who may need assistance: 24 hour service at 1-866-925-4419

Your help with identifying these students is invaluable. Thank you very much!

Image 1: Group of Graduate 1933

Image 2: Tuxis and Trail Ranger Groups and Their Four Leaders

Image 3: The Choral Class and Shield Won

Image 4: Intermediate Pupils with Principal, Teacher and Choral Teacher, 1931-1932

Image 5: Tuxis and Trail Ranger Groups and Their Four Leaders, 1932-1933