Residential Schools
The Canadian government intentionally developed a system of Residential Schools to assimilate the Indigenous population beginning in childhood. The first residential school was opened in 1883, and the last closed in 1996, only 27 years ago. There were more than 130 schools in operation across Canada, and more than 500,000 Indigenous children who attended. Through acts of cultural genocide, the government forcefully removed Indigenous children from their families at the age of 4 to attend Residential Schools. Until they were 16 years old, the children were not allowed to speak their Indigenous languages; they were given a new name and a number to be identified by; they were not allowed to speak or associate with their siblings; they were forced to do manual labour, cook, and clean; they were starved; and were forced to abandon all things relating to their Indigenous culture and identity; and forced to learn religious beliefs. As students, they were physically, mentally, spiritually, and sexually abused. They were not allowed to return home until after the school year. One residential school was in operation within the Ktunaxa territory, known as the Kootenay Indian Residential School, and operated at the St. Eugene Mission.
Residential schools are a part of Canada’s history. As a result of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and calls to action, the greater public are starting to ask questions and learn about the true, colonial, and genocidal history of Canada. The unmarked graves of children at former Residential Schools illustrates the level of abuse experienced. The impacts of residential schools in Canada continue to cause trauma, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, and intergenerational trauma to all Indigenous Peoples and their communities. Given this historical context, Indigenous Peoples remain resilient and strong, as we repair our Indigenous identities, reclaiming and revitalizing our languages, and cultures, and begin to heal. ⱡkamnin̓tik as a society is active in these acts of healing.
St. Eugene Mission – Kootenay Indian Residential School
The St. Eugene Mission was the building that the Kootenay Indian Residential School operated. The St. Eugene Mission was founded by the Oblate Order in 1973, and included a large amount of territory, with several different buildings and operations that made it the St. Eugene Mission. There was a school that was built in 1873, located in a different building, but it never operated as a school due to the inability to find a principal. In the St. Eugene Mission area, there was a church, and a hospital that were built. Over the years, the hospital was changed into the Kootenay Indian Residential School. It was built in 1890, and started as a small school, with a total of 12 boys and 15 girls. In 1910, the St. Eugene Mission building was officially established as an Indian Residential School. It was one of the first comprehensive Indian “industrial and residential” schools to be built in the West. At the time, it was one of the largest buildings in the B.C Interior. The Residential School was located within the Ktunaxa territory at the St. Eugene Mission, just North of Cranbrook, BC. The Residential School was officially closed in 1970. It was in operation for 60 years, where Ktunaxa (Kootenay), Secwepmc (Shuwsap), Syilx (Okanagan), and Blackfoot children were taken and attended. 5,000 children were instructed at the Mission during its operation.
Resurgence, Reclamation – The St. Eugene Mission Resort
After the Kootenay Indian Residential School was closed in 1970, the British Columbia government leased the Mission building in 1973 to transform it into a building for psychiatric care. The project was abandoned after $750,000 in renovations. After this attempted project, the Mission building was left unoccupied for the next 20 years, and a painful reminder of the dark history that took place. It was Elder Mary Paul who said, “Since it was within the St. Eugene Mission School that the culture of the Kootenay Indian was taken away, it should be within that building that it is returned.” In 1992, former Chief of ʔaq̓am, Sophie Pierre, was inspired by Elder Mary Paul’s powerful words. During her time as Chief, the discussion of transforming the Mission into a resort began to surface, and she was ultimately the driving force for the development of the St. Eugene Mission Resort. Elder Mary Paul’s words were a sentiment that the Mission building was not going anywhere, but instead should be a place of reclamation, resurgence, and revitalization of the Ktunaxa People, language, culture, and identity. For many, it was a difficult discussion to have. During this time, many would begin their healing process with visits to the Mission, and talking circles about what they experienced. Some spoke up and said they would rather have it torn down, while others were in favour of transforming the Mission into a resort. Over the next few years, the Ktunaxa Nation would have discussions amongst the five bands, with a total of 1,500 people in attendance. With a referendum, all five bands were in favour of transforming the Mission into a resort. This began the process of their resurgence, and reclamation.
It would take 10 years of renovations to the Mission building and surrounding area. With many innovative ideas on what it could be. The St. Eugene Mission first opened its doors to the award winning 18-hole golf course in 2000, and the Casino of the Rockies opened in 2002. The entire St. Eugene Mission Resort was not fully opened until 2003. Today, the St. Eugene Mission Resort has expanded, and now consists of the hotel, golf course, casino, and most recently, the RV park being opened in 2018, and the interpretive center being opened to offer tours and workshops about the history of the Residential School, the Ktunaxa language, and culture. During its first development and opening, the Ktunaxa Nation could not afford to own the resort, but in June 2017, the Ktunaxa Nation (all four Ktunaxa bands) now fully own and operate the St. Eugene Mission Resort. The Ktunaxa Nation are the only Indigenous group in Canada to transform the former Residential School into a resort. Other Residential Schools have been torn down, remain unoccupied, or transformed into museums.
The St. Eugene Mission Resort stands as a place for resurgence, reclamation, revitalization, and healing for the Ktunaxa People’s identity, language, and culture. At the same time, it was developed as a place to tell their truth, preserve the truth, and to educate about what really happened. Moving from a dark history, towards revival and renewal of who the Ktunaxa People are. The St. Eugene Mission Resort is a place of history, education, and a testament to the strength, and resilience of our people, our nations, our cultures, and our commitment towards Truth and Reconciliation. Most importantly, it is a place to honour the children, and to pave a path forward for the future of our children.