Johnny Kiyawasew passed away at the age of 11 in a small town hospital in northern Alberta in 1943, far from his family at Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. He was sent to St. Francis Xavier Residential School in Calais, Alta., and never returned home, with his family only discovering the truth many years later. Robert Kiyawasew, Johnny’s younger brother, expressed frustration that their father was never informed about Johnny’s death and that a death certificate was issued without his knowledge.
After much investigation, Johnny’s gravesite was located in 2013 by his sister Roseann and a private investigator. Johnny died of pulmonary tuberculosis at a hospital in High Prairie, where he is buried, a considerable distance from the residential school. Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the University of Alberta are now conducting in-depth research to reveal the stories of children like Johnny who attended residential schools but never made it back home.
Chief Sheldon Sunshine of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation mentioned that research indicates many children at St. Francis Xavier succumbed to tuberculosis and malnutrition, emphasizing the human toll of these tragedies. Robert Kiyawasew, grateful for finding Johnny’s grave, visits it regularly, acknowledging the heartbreaking nature of his brother’s lonely resting place.
Robert Kiyawasew, a survivor of a day school, shared that he faced similar hardships as his siblings who attended St. Francis Xavier, including being punished for speaking his native language. He emphasized the importance of honoring their culture and heritage.
Records related to residential schools, as noted by Raymond Frogner from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, are often disorganized and unreliable due to various organizations managing them independently. Obtaining accurate information is akin to solving a puzzle with missing pieces. Additionally, Sunshine highlighted the challenges faced in accessing church records, which are sometimes withheld or restricted to individuals with direct family ties.
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation remains committed to uncovering the stories of children who never returned from St. Francis Xavier, recognizing the importance of closure for affected families and addressing intergenerational trauma. Sunshine emphasized the need to continue the search despite obstacles to ensure the memory and dignity of these lost children are preserved.