Survivors’ Secretariat identifies 97 deaths connecting to former Brantford residential school

The Survivors’ Secretariat has provided an alarming update on the ground search at the former Mohawk Institute Residential School.

The Survivor-led initiative says it has identified the names of 4,581 children who attended the school, as well as a total of 97 deaths.

“The number of deaths recorded to date is more than double the number originally identified by the NCTR,” the group said in a statement released Thursday.

“The Secretariat is working to determine proper protocols to inform families and communities prior to releasing the lists of names and document sources on their website.”

As of Aug. 23, it has used ground penetrating radar to scan 387, 10×10 metre grids, which represents approximately 1.5 per cent of the total area to be searched.

In terms of advocacy, the Secretariat has worked with multiple organizations in Six Nations and across Ontario to support commemoration activities.

“The Secretariat worked with the City of Brantford to secure a resolution, which was unanimously supported by their city council to urge the provincial and federal government along with the Anglican and Catholic Church to release all records pertaining to Indian Residential Schools to their appropriate bodies,” the statement said.

It says Wainfleet and Shuniah have since supported this resolution.

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for survivors and others affected. People can access the 24-hour line by calling 1 866 925 4419.