Full Breakdown
Manitoba Acquires Turtle Crossing Campground to Protect Residential-School Burial Site
By Drooid · · How we work
Background and Context
The former Brandon Indian Residential School operated from 1895 to 1972 near the Assiniboine River. Historical records show a cemetery used from 1895 to 1912, later converted to a park and then the privately owned Turtle Crossing Campground. Indigenous leaders have long called for the site’s protection, noting that grave markers were removed in 1921 and the land was sold by the City of Brandon in 2001.
Data and Statistics
- Sioux Valley Dakota Nation cites a 2018 geophysical survey that identified 56 potential graves at Turtle Crossing Campground.
- Archival research has documented 113 names of children who died at the school, while 2,700 names have been identified through broader community engagement.
- The province contributed C$1.5 million to the purchase; the City of Brandon added C$400,000.
Official Statements & Responses
Premier Wab Kinew announced the acquisition at a news conference marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, emphasizing the need to preserve the site and its documented history. Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Chief Jennifer Bone called the purchase “a historical occasion” and urged the establishment of a commemorative area. Geophysical scientist Christopher Mancuso highlighted that access to the grounds is essential for ongoing research and for families to pay respects.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need to preserve a site like this one, as well as a very well documented history of the deaths that took place in residential schools, and the records that show where these children are buried, because there could be no denying what took place,” — Kinew. He
- “This is monumental, because this has been in the making for 60 years. And it finally allows us the ability to conduct an investigation and to allow families to pay respects to those who died at the residential school,” — Christopher Mancuso, valley geophysical scientist
- “The archival evidence has revealed, at this time, 113 names of children who perished at the Brandon residential school,” — Christopher Mancuso, valley geophysical scientist
- “We haven’t had any access at all this year,” — Jennifer Bone, dakota nation chief
These statements and figures illustrate the collaborative effort between Manitoba’s government, the City of Brandon, and Indigenous partners to safeguard a painful chapter of Canadian history and to enable further investigation into the children’s remains.