First Nations face complex, stressful choice: Should school sites be excavated? – Vancouver Sun

Williams Lake First Nation says almost 50 First Nations must be consulted before any exhumations of unmarked graves

The chief of the Williams Lake First Nation says he would support excavating possible unmarked graves at the site of the former St. Joseph’s Mission residential school if that’s what elders and the community decide is best.

But the decision is complex, involving dozens of other First Nations whose children also attended the institution, numerous landowners, potential DNA tests, several levels of government, the coroner and the RCMP.

All that is in addition to the anxiety Chief Willie Sellars said he has about ensuring there isn’t more trauma for survivors if bodies are found.

Read More: https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/first-nations-face-complex-stressful-choice-should-school-sites-be-excavated