Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) commenced the investigation into the disappeared and deceased Indigenous children at the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School (“SJM”) in July of 2021. Now, nearly four years into that investigation, WLFN has completed survivor interviews, archival research, community engagement and the geophysical investigation of more than 470 acres of property surrounding the site of the former residential school. Ground penetrating radar has revealed 159 reflections that show characteristics indicative of human burials.
The WLFN investigation of the former St. Joseph’s Mission has also been documented by a film crew, eventually resulting in the production of a movie entitled “Sugarcane” – which is the name colloquially given to Williams Lake First Nation Indian Reserve where the bulk of its members reside. The film premiered in early 2024 at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won a jury prize in directing, and began streaming on Disney+ later in 2024. In January of 2025, Sugarcane received a nomination for Best Documentary Feature Film at the Academy Awards.
“The amount of attention that this investigation has received as a result of this film is incredible,” states Williams Lake First Nation Kukpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars. “This is a topic that people around the world are keen to know more about. The atrocities that were committed at residential schools in Canada are coming to light because of our investigation and the investigations conducted by other communities, and bringing this truth to light is a big part of the process of reconciliation”.
In 2024, WLFN purchased the central property upon which the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School was located.
“Our investigation may not be complete for many years, but our vision is to transform this site into a place where people can gather, honor those who attended this facility, and learn more about the legacy of Canada’s residential schools,” adds SJM Project Lead, Whitney Spearing. “It’s something that needs to be done. We can’t leave the site like this. It’s a cold, desolate place, and it’s impossible for people to gather safely.”
Despite the massive amount of attention directed at the WLFN investigation, both within Canada and internationally, there has been no support offered by the government of Canada toward either the acquisition of the SJM property or the commemoration of the site. WLFN provided a detailed proposal to Canada in December, but Canada has not provided any response to that proposal.
“It is profoundly disturbing to me that we are not receiving any support from the government of Canada toward any property-related initiative,” adds Kukpi7 Sellars. “How can people heal if they can’t safely gather at the place where their family members suffered for generations?” states Chief Sellars. “How can the people of Canada learn more about the legacy of the residential school system if they’re not able to visit these places? I’m calling on the Government of Canada to step up and make an actual investment in a place of healing at the site of the former St. Joseph’s Mission. This is the time for Canada to step up and take action. I intend to use the platform afforded to me at the Academy Awards to bring further attention to this issue.”
Sugarcane is one of five films nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2025 Academy Awards. The awards will air internationally on Sunday March 2, 2025.
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