GeoScan's Commitment to Indigenous-Led Initiatives Since 2021
Since 2021, GeoScan has been deeply honoured to support First Nations communities across British Columbia and beyond, in their efforts to locate and document unmarked graves related to the Indian Residential School (IRS) system. This work, guided by Elders and Indigenous Community Leaders, is grounded in trust and respect, with a shared commitment to truth & remembrance.
The GeoScan team has ample experience in conducting non-invasive subsurface mapping surveys, which involve the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Magnetometry. These have been used to help document areas of concern identified by communities.
Culturally Respectful, Community-Driven Approach
We recognize that every community’s process is unique and so respond to the needs and direction of each Nation, ensuring our work is done with cultural sensitivity, transparency & humility. Our role is to support—not lead—the search.
Where invited, our team participates in traditional ceremonies and community gatherings. We have also attended community presentations and provided plain-language updates to help ensure clear communication and shared understanding.
Work to Date
Since beginning this journey in 2021, GeoScan has:
- Collaborated with multiple First Nations across BC and other provinces and territories, tailoring our support to each Nation’s specific vision and protocols.
- Participated in community-led investigations at former IRS sites, day schools, and surrounding lands, using technologies such as GPR, drone surveying, and magnetometry.
- Provided education and training opportunities to help communities interpret and manage their own data.
- Built lasting relationships with Indigenous communities and cultural advisors who guide our work and hold us accountable.
- Featured in the Oscar-Nominated National Geographic Documentary film ‘Sugarcane’ which followed an investigation into the IRS school system, telling the story of the resilience of survivors and descendants.
Ongoing Commitment
GeoScan remains committed to walking this path in the right way, recognizing that this work is part of a much larger journey of reconciliation and healing. We are continually learning and listening – guided by the voices of survivors, families & First Nations communities.
If you are a member of a First Nation community and are interested in our work, or partnering with GeoScan, please get in contact here.
We honour the Survivors and the children who never returned home. We stand with communities as they lead the way forward.
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
GeoScan acknowledges with respect that our offices are located on the ancestral and unceded territories of hən̓ q ̓əmin̓ əm ̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples; lək̓ʷəŋən, Malchosen, Semiahmoo, SENĆOŦEN, T’Sou-ke speaking peoples; Nsyilxcən speaking peoples; and the Anishinàbemiwin and Ojibwe speaking peoples.
We also recognize that much of our work takes place on the traditional homelands of Indigenous peoples across Canada.
