Photo Collection- Archaeological Materials from the BIRS Site

-Ashley Austin

This is a collection of photos of some of the material that has been collected from the area called Trench A. Approval was obtained from HRB to dig 1 x 1-meter units in a concentrated area after metal detecting indicated a heavy presence of metal material that would have interfered with geo-physical surveying methods, such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electromagnetic (EM) surveys. Please refer to last month’s blog post for more information!

Figure 1: Toy Sheep, made of lead, manufactured by the Britain’s Company (est. 1920s to 1960s)

Figure 2: Ceramic Bowl, gold trim and pink flowers, glued back together

Figure 3: Bucket

Figure 4: American Penny, dated 1942

Figures 5: Springs from Clothesline Pins

Figure 6: Bingo Chip (I16)

Figure 7: Electric Switch, Broken into 4 pieces

Figure 8: Metal Can-Opener

Figure 9: Porcelain Mug, branch pattern, glued together

Figure 10: Leather Wallet (empty)

Figure 11: Glass Medicine Vial

Figure 12: Napkin Ring, Silver

Figure 13: Partial Manitoba License Plate

Figure 14: Ceramic Meg and Saucer, glued back together

Figure 15: Metal Scissors, small

Figure 16: Reed Piece from a Musical Instrument

Figure 17: Large Metal Pipe (38 1/2 inches)

Figure 18: Ceramic Plate, glued together, flower design

Figure 19: Large Hand Crank (27 inches)

Figure 20: C&H Canteen Token

Figure 21: Ceramic Bowl, glued together, flower design

Figure 22: Ceramic Serving Dish with Lid, glued together, flower design

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.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•