The remaining structures of a former residential school on Vancouver Island were taken down in front of survivors and their families on Thursday. The Christie Residential School, which originated on Meares Island in 1900 before being relocated to Tofino in 1971, ceased operations in 1983, making it one of the final functioning residential schools in British Columbia.
Survivor Bruce Lucas shared that revisiting the school site was unsettling but ultimately a positive experience for him. During the demolition, survivors had the opportunity to physically engage in tearing down parts of the school before heavy machinery took over. Lucas was invited to lead the demolition efforts using an excavator.
Reflecting on his past, Lucas recalled the fear he felt on his first day at the school about 60 years ago. While there were some positive memories associated with sports activities, he emphasized the lasting trauma and distress caused by the overall experience, noting the pervasive atmosphere of terror.
Over the years, sections of the school have been repurposed or removed, but a trio of outbuildings remained at the original Meares Island location. The Ahousaht Residential School Research team arranged for former students to have free ferry transport to witness the demolition, participate in a healing ceremony, and receive support.
Former student Thomas Rush, who spent eight years at the school, expressed relief at seeing the buildings being torn down and shared his hope for closure from the painful memories associated with the place. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation revealed that the Christie Residential School, also known by various other names over the years, was funded by the Canadian government and run by different Roman Catholic orders.
In 2021, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation reported over 4,100 documented deaths of children while attending residential schools, primarily due to malnutrition or illnesses. The commission’s extensive work included collecting testimonies from thousands of school attendees, unveiling widespread physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, leading to the characterization of the system as a “cultural genocide.”
The ongoing demolition process, expected to span several days, is viewed as a crucial step in the healing journey by Elder Cliff Atleo. He highlighted the significance of cleansing the property for complete restoration to its original state.
