Survivors of the Red Brick School, Cranbrook
In 2001, the film “Survivors of the Red Brick School” was created by a collective of former Syilx students from the Indian Residential School in Cranbrook.
The group was led by Virginia “Virg” Baptiste, a member of the Osoyoos Indian Band, who recalled how her mother was locked in the cellar of the school with nothing to eat for two days. Virg herself arrived in 1955 speaking no English. She left in 1963 with her language and culture stripped away. Her brother, Bugs, was paralyzed for life by the extreme beatings he received at the school. Virg and other survivors were tireless advocates for justice and their efforts were an essential contribution to awareness and change.
Unfortunately, Elder Virg Baptiste, died suddenly in hospital in January 2004 after publicly charging the Roman Catholic church with mass murder. Virg’s courage and heartbreaking stories, along with the 13 other survivors, created awareness and paved the way to getting programs and supports in place.
The Kootenay, also known as St. Eugene’s residential school, was established in 1890, located just north of Cranbrook, BC. The original school was replaced by an industrial facility in 1912. In 1935, an Indian Agent reported that due to inadequate food, excessive workloads, and illness, he had to compel parents to send their children to the school. Even after a change in leadership, issues with school attendance and students running away persisted. There were also frequent outbreaks of influenza, mumps, measles, chickenpox, and tuberculosis. In 1969, the federal government assumed control of the residence, ultimately closing it in June of 1970, after 80 years of operation.
See Also
Suggested Resources
About Indian Residential Schools
Impacts of Indian Residential School
Syilx Indian Residential School Timeline
