The remaining structures of a former residential school on Vancouver Island were demolished in the presence of survivors and their families on Thursday. The Christie Residential School was initially established in 1900 on Meares Island before moving to Tofino, B.C., in 1971. It operated until 1983, making it one of the last functioning residential schools in British Columbia.
Survivor Bruce Lucas, reflecting on his return to the school site, described the experience as both “scary” and ultimately “good for the soul.” Prior to the use of heavy machinery, survivors physically engaged in dismantling parts of the school, with Lucas being invited to initiate the demolition process using an excavator.
Recalling his initial day at the school 60 years ago, Lucas expressed the fear he experienced as a child. Despite some positive memories related to sports activities, he highlighted the overall traumatizing nature of his time at the school, filled with “a lot of bad memories” that he continues to recover from.
Over time, sections of the school have been altered, relocated, or repurposed, with three outbuildings remaining at the original Meares Island location. The Ahousaht Residential School Research team facilitated former students’ visits to witness the demolition, providing ferry transport, healing ceremonies, and emotional support.
Former student Thomas Rush, who spent a significant part of his childhood at the school, shared his emotional connection to the demolition, emphasizing the need for closure and healing. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation detailed the school’s history, funded by the Canadian government and managed by various Roman Catholic orders under different names.
In 2021, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation disclosed the deaths of over 4,100 children at residential schools, primarily due to malnourishment or disease. Testimonies collected over six years from 6,000 attendees across Canada characterized the system as a “cultural genocide,” revealing instances of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse endured by the children.
The ongoing demolition process, expected to span several days, is seen as a crucial step towards healing by Elder Cliff Atleo. The initiative aims to cleanse the property, allowing for its full restoration. Support services are available for those affected by their residential school experiences, including the national Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.