Our Work

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation (Wipazoka Wakpa) is a self-governing Dakota community located in Southwestern Manitoba and has led the search at the Brandon Residential School for the past decade. This work is support through CIRNAC Residential Schools Missing Children Community Fund.

Our Mission

Identify the names of children who died at the Brandon IRS between 1895 to 1972
Locate and protect unmarked graves associated with the school
Support affected communities and families
Promote community-led commemoration efforts to ensure that this tragic history is never forgotten

Residential School Search

The search uses a combination of non-invasive technologies and methodologies, from several different disciplines including forensics, archaeology, geophysics, and geography.

Forensic Field Methods: Features visible on the surface such as grave depressions, changes in vegetation due to decomposition, or unearthed bones. This can be done without specialized equipment, over large areas, but requires training and experience. Furthermore, metal detecting can identify grave goods which were shallowly buried.

Geophysical Survey: Non-invasive technologies that are used to investigate subsurface features. Two commonly used techniques are Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electromagnetic (EM) surveys. GPR and EM can detect subtle changes in soil density and composition at different depths, which can indicate burials or grave shafts. GPR can reveal the size and shape potential graves. EM methods are particularly useful in areas where GPR may be less effective, such as clay rich soils and can cover larger areas more quickly than GPR. By using several geophysical survey techniques together, this increases the accuracy of grave identification.

LiDAR Aerial Surveying: Light Detection and Ranging is a remote sensing technology that creates detailed 3D maps. It can penetrate vegetation and ground cover to reveal subtle changes in the ground’s surface. These elevation models can be used to identify depressions that could represent unmarked graves.

Archival Research

Archival research plays a crucial role in the search at former residential schools. It provides essential context and guidance for field investigations by uncovering valuable historical information. Archival records such as school attendance logs, death records, correspondences between school administrators and officials and burial records can help identify missing children. These documents often reveal details about a child's identity, time at the school and circumstances of death.

Additionally, historical maps, photographs and land surveys can show how the landscape has changed over time, helping researchers pinpoint areas of surveying. By combining archival research with survivor testimonies and community knowledge, investigators can narrow down search areas and interpret geophysical results more effectively.

Community Events

Community engagement is at the core of this investigation. These events provide a space for families of the missing children, Survivors, their families, and community members to come together, share experiences, and support one another in the healing process. By hosting workshops, community gatherings and public events like Orange Shirt Day, we hope to increase awareness about the history and impact of residential schools, ensuring that they and the missing children are not forgotten.

These events also serve as an opportunity for families and Survivors to guide and inform the process of locating and commemorating unmarked graves.

Commemoration Activities

Commemoration activities are a vital components of truth-telling and healing. These activities honor the experiences of Survivors, their families, and communities while raising awareness about the history and legacy of the residential school system. By creating spaces for remembrance, these monuments serve to honor the resilience of communities and preserve the memory of the children who never made it home.

IRS Commemoration Monument
Nomination Form

We are continuing to develop monuments to honor Sioux Valley Dakota community members (living or deceased) who attended Residential Schools and Survivors that attended the Brandon Residential School.

If you wish to have an individuals' name honored on these monuments, this form is to be completed by the individual themselves or by an authorized family member on their behalf.

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Community

I am submitting for myself

I am submitting on behalf of a loved one

Name of IRS Attendee

Name of Residential School(s) Attended and Year(s) of Attendance

I understand that by submitting this form, I am giving Brandon IRS Missing Children Investigation persmission to contact me about next steps for IRS Commemorations