It is hoped soon that fieldwork to identify students buried at the former Brandon Residential School can begin.

The collaborative effort between Simon Fraser University, Brandon University, University of Windsor and the Sioux Valley First Nation was to begin last year, but was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a video statement from June 1st, Sioux Valley First Nation Chief Jennifer Bone says 104 potential graves have been identified through their own investigations, that began in 2012, and 78 are accountable through cemetery and burial records.

The Brandon Residential School was in operation from 1895 to 1972 and was demolished in 2000.