Identification and Mapping of Unmarked Graves Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques for Cowessess First Nation
The Marieval Indian Residential School at Cowessess First Nation in southern Saskatchewan operated from 1899 to 1997 with adjacent ground used as a community cemetery. Existing headstones were removed in the 1960s, and the graves have been unmarked/unidentified since then. Saskatchewan Polytechnic researchers used remote sensing techniques, including ground-penetration radar and drone images, to discover 751 graves, some of the most found in one area so far as part of ongoing investigations across Canada. An extensive search of records and interviews with elders helped to associate names with some of the graves. Geographic information systems were used to create digital, online, interactive maps of the cemetery, with story maps to come. The digital maps are used for effective cemetery management and to facilitate navigation. The story maps will be used to preserve some of the oral history of residential schools. These maps can also help community members organize virtual ceremonies with their friends and families. The entire project is a considerable step in Truth and Reconciliation.
Innovators
- Jamie Hilts, Dean, Mining, Energy & Manufacturing and Natural Resources & Built Environment
- Herve Lahamy, Instructor, Geomatics and Surveying Engineering Technology
- Carlos Lara, Instructor, Geomatics and Surveying Engineering Technology
- Ian McWilliams, Research Project Coordinator, Applied Research and Innovation
- Abdul Raouf, Manager, Geomatics and Surveying Engineering Technology