The last remaining structures of a former residential school on Vancouver Island were torn down in the presence of survivors and relatives. The Christie Residential School, which commenced in 1900 on Meares Island before moving to Tofino in 1971, operated until 1983, making it one of the final residential schools in British Columbia. Survivor Bruce Lucas described revisiting the school site as both daunting and a healing experience for him.
Prior to the use of heavy machinery, survivors symbolically destroyed parts of the school using rocks and crowbars, with Lucas leading the dismantling process using an excavator. The demolition ceremony aimed to bring closure to individuals who had traumatic memories associated with the school. Former students were provided with free ferry transport by the Ahousaht Residential School Research team to witness the demolition and participate in a healing ceremony.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation revealed that the Christie Residential School, funded by the Canadian government and managed by various Roman Catholic orders under different names, including Kakawis Indian School and Christie Indian Industrial School, was associated with the deaths of 46 children. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission documented over 4,100 deaths of children in residential schools, attributing most fatalities to malnutrition or diseases. Testimonies collected over six years from more than 6,000 attendees across Canada characterized the residential school system as a “cultural genocide,” citing physical, sexual, and psychological abuse inflicted on the children.
The ongoing demolition process, expected to span several days, is seen as a vital step towards healing by Elder Cliff Atleo. The initiative is aimed at cleansing the property to facilitate restoration. Any individuals impacted by their residential school experiences can seek support from the national Indian Residential School Crisis Line, offering emotional and crisis referral services round the clock.
