The final structures of a former residential school on Vancouver Island were taken down on Thursday in the presence of survivors and relatives.
The Christie Residential School, which was established in 1900 on Meares Island before being moved to Tofino, B.C., in 1971, remained operational until 1983, marking one of the last operational residential schools in British Columbia.
Survivor Bruce Lucas described his return to the school site as “intimidating” but ultimately “uplifting for the spirit.”
Prior to the utilization of heavy machinery, survivors engaged in demolishing parts of the school by throwing rocks and using crowbars. Lucas was given the honor of initiating the demolition using an excavator.
The final structures of the Christie Residential School on Meares Island near Tofino, B.C., were demolished in a ceremony on Thursday, attended by survivors who hoped that the removal of the buildings would aid in healing past wounds.
“I can still recall my first day there,” he shared post-ceremony. “I’m 66 now, so about 60 years ago — how terrified I was.”
While mentioning some positive memories of engaging in sports, Lucas highlighted the overall traumatic experience, stating that he is still grappling with “numerous distressing recollections.”
“We were subjected to immense fear,” he remarked.
Over time, sections of the school have been either demolished, relocated, or repurposed, but three auxiliary structures remained at the original Meares Island location.
The Ahousaht Residential School Research team facilitated free ferry transportation for former students to visit the structures, witness their demolition, and participate in a healing ceremony with support.
“It was a distressing place to grow up. I was nearly seven years old when I arrived, and I spent eight years here,” former student Thomas Rush shared with CHEK News, present at the event.
“Seeing them being dismantled is comforting. I felt compelled to be here today for closure. I’m hoping to achieve that today.”
According to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the school received funding from the Canadian government and was managed by various Roman Catholic orders under different names such as the Kakawis Indian School, Tofino Hotel, and Christie Indian Industrial School.
The center has also documented the identities of 46 children who passed away at the institution.
In 2021, the federally appointed Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation reported having <a href