Forensic Resources

There has been much discussion about recovering human remains from unmarked graves at former IRS locations and other sites. While the role of formal forensic processes in searching for unmarked burials in residential school landscapes is out of the realm of expertise of the IPIA, here we provide information and links to resources that aim to help Nations who are thinking of potential forensic investigations consider what this might mean for their specific contexts. 

• Forensics and the Search for Residential Schools Missing Children (PDF) - The National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials has put together a document providing a high-level summary for Nations considering forensic investigation. They also have additional resources on forensics and identification listed on their website. 

• The Role of Forensics in the Search for Residential Schools Missing Children (VIDEO) - The National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials facilitated this recorded session to provide information from experts on forensic processes for Nations searching for unmarked burials. 

• Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs Information (PDF) This document is meant to provide an overview of the use and applicability of using Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs as an additional way of investigation prior to any ground disturbance or further forensic investigation. This is also a way to supplement any remote sensing surveys and can provide additional confidence to any GPR results. 

• Considerations for Suspected Unmarked Graves (LINK) - is a document put together by the Canadian Association for Biological Anthropology that provide a high level overview of the general forensic process and what might be involved when considering excavation or exhumation. It also provides a quick overview of what can, and cannot, be learned from bones in these circumstances. 

• "Honouring the Children: The Role of Forensic Anthropology." (PDF) is a presentation provided by Dr. Emily Holland at the NCTR Remembering the Children event that goes over things to consider and potential avenues for forensic investigation for unmarked burials.  

• The Office of the Special Interlocutor also has presentations from forensic experts recorded and posted on their website, specifically from the "Supporting the Search and Recovery of Missing Children" events in September of 2022 (VIDEOS) and September 2023. (VIDEOS)