Muskowekwan Historical Site (Historically known as Muscowequan Indian Residential School)

The last standing former residential school in Saskatchewan, and one of a relative few remaining in Canada is located on Muskowekwan First Nation, Treaty 4 territory, near Lestock, Saskatchewan. The residential school closed June 1997 after 111 years of operation.

Historical Timeline

1886: day school established on Muskowekwan First Nation

1889: the day school begins accepting boarders

1930-31: a new residential school building is constructed, replacing the 1895 school. It is completed in May 1931

1981: the school and its property are claimed by Muskowekwan First Nation as part of its unfulfilled land entitlement

1997: June 30, the residence closes

Acknowledge Past Work

Leadership, past and present have contributed in so many ways that are valuable to the preservation and conservation of the present structure. It was decided at a gathering of Elders and community members, that a vision for this colonial era institution would be to repurpose the former Residential School into a place of healing, culture, learning, community economic development and commemoration.

Partners of the Historical Site Project

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

National Trust for Canada

Heritage Saskatchewan

Museums Association of Saskatchewan

Royal Saskatchewan Museum

Carleton University – Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism

Parks Canada

Federation of Sovereign Indian Nations

University of Saskatchewan

University of Alberta

Office of the Treaty Commissioner

The former residential school, historically known as Muscowequan IRS was declared as one of Canada’s Top Ten Endangered Places (2018 list) by the National Trust for Canada. (https://nationaltrustcanada.ca/nt-endangered-places/muscowequan-residential-school)

As noted, the 1930 structure remaining at the site is the last intact former residential school in Saskatchewan and one of a few extant from 139 former Indigenous residential schools in Canada.

Muskowekwan First Nation has partnered with Carleton University, Azrieli School of Architecture in research and design concept projects aimed at stabilizing and repurposing the historic structure, as well as preserving the cultural landscape features of the overall site.

It should be noted that there are multiple unmarked and unidentified graves located around the former school building, and commemoration of the graves of children who never made it home, is a very important component of this project. The work in locating the unmarked graves began in 2018 and continues with the guidance, support and consultation of community.

Muskowekwan First Nation is managing all aspects of the conservation and repurposing of the former residential school through consultation, engagement and consistent monthly meetings with the Muskowekwan Historical Site Advisory Group.

Muskowekwan Historical Site Advisory Group

In August 2021, a general meeting that was open to the public regarding the Muskowekwan Historical Site was held at the Muskowekwan Band Hall with 6 people in attendance. With work developing on the project and a need for community consultation, portfolio councillor committed to meet with a group to assist in the whole project. As such, the Muskowekwan Historical Site Advisory Group was created and meets monthly on the first Wednesday of the month (unless posted otherwise).

The group consists of survivors, former students, descendants and interested members of the nation. The objectives of the Historical Site Advisory Group are as follows:

• To assist leadership in prayer for the healing, reconciliation and wellness of our nation

• Create sacred spaces of healing, learning, culture, language and holistic health opportunities for survivors, former students, descendants and members of our nation

• To advise and make recommendations in meeting the Historical Site project goals, engagement and planning sessions

• To do our best in respecting that everyone has their own experience with the history of residential school, whether we experienced direct or multi-generational impacts, everyone has their own truth, every single story or experience is valued and respected in our circle. We honor their contribution. Prayer leads our path to truth, reconciliation and healing. We will be supportive in our own journey of healing and do our best to create better for the next 7 generations.

The group identified core values of love, respect, honesty, humility, courage (bravery), wisdom and the foundation of all-truth as their guiding principles in all aspects of the project.

The Muskowekwan Historical Site Advisory Group has a core group of dedicated members that have contributed in many ways. The advisory group has become an integral source of assistance, guidance and most importantly bringing prayer throughout the process of the project. The group is a valued source of support for the portfolio councillor in the coordination of the project.