Exterior of Old Sun Community College

“Indian children in the residential schools die at a much higher rate than in their villages. But this does not justify a change in the policy of this Department, which is geared towards a final solution of our Indian Problem.” – Duncan Campbell Scott, Deputy Superintendent of Indian Affairs

Establishment of Old Sun Indian Residential School

The signing of Treaty 7 occurred on September 22, 1877 and established reserves for all Indigenous peoples living in Southern Alberta, including the nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy [1,2]. Shortly after, Reverend John W. Tims of the Church of England was sent to found a mission among the Blackfoot, which was set up on the Siksika Nation reserve close to the location of Gleichen, Alberta [2,3]. Tims’ was involved in a variety of mission work for the Anglican Church, but his main focus was on the Siksika Mission [2]. Tims met with Chief Naato’saapi, Old Sun, who allowed him to build a cabin in 1886 which became the first Old Sun Boarding School [2,3]. Eight years later Tims established the White Eagle Boarding school for boys only. In 1901, these schools were amalgamated into a remodelled Old Sun Boarding school building where boys and girls attended together [2]. In 1911, the Government of Canada provided financial support for Tims’ work and a larger building was constructed the following year. This school was enlarged a decade later to allow for a larger number of students to attend. However, in 1928 the wooden frame building was burnt down due to a fire originating in the boiler room [2].

After this, the large brick building that is currently home to Old Sun College was constructed to serve as the Old Sun Indian Residential School for the following 30 years [2,3]. The school began with a capacity of 110 students, which was raised to 142 students in 1960. In 1969, the Government of Canada assumed control of the school and continued to operate kindergarten grade classes until 1971 when Old Sun Community College was established in conjunction with Mount Royal College as an adult learning facility [2,3]. Old Sun College was separated from Mount Royal College, now Mount Royal University, in 1978 when it became an independent institution run by the Blackfoot Nation. In 1988, the Old Sun College Act was passed in the Alberta Legislature transforming Old Sun Community College into a First Nations College [3].

Today Old Sun is a vibrant college led by the Siksika Nation that offers a wide range of accredited post secondary courses, including its own Siksika Knowledge courses. Academic programs at the college offer certificates, diplomas and degrees through partnerships with recognized colleges and universities.

A Legacy of Loneliness and Neglect

One of the most frequently recurring themes in the testimonies provided by residential school survivors to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a deep sense of loneliness and a desperate longing to be reunited with their families.  Siblings attending these schools were often prevented from speaking with each other, even though they frequently attended events like mealtimes or church services together. While students could be transported great distances from their home communities to attend residential schools like Blue Quills and Edmonton Indian Residential School, those attending Old Sun were often able to see their houses and family members from dormitory windows and the school grounds. Being so close to their loved ones made separation from family members even more difficult for many schoolchildren.

Notes

Header image courtesy of Glenbow Archives.

[1] Tesar, Alex (2019). Treaty 7. The Canadian Encyclopedia. Electronic document, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/treaty-7, accessed June 29, 2021.

[2] Anglican Church of Canada (2020). Old Sun School, Gliechen, AB. General Synod Archives of the Anglican Church of Canada, Toronto, ON.

[3] Old Sun Community College (2021). About Us. Old Sun Community College. Electronic document, http://oldsuncollege.ca/index.php/about-us/, accessed June 29, 2021.

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This image gallery shows historic and modern photos of Old Sun throughout its history. Click on photos to expand and read their captions.This image includes modern images of Old Sun. If you have historic photos of Old Sun and the grounds that they would like to submit to this archive, please contact us at irsdocumentationproject@gmail.com.

Laser scanning data can be used to create “as built” architectural plans which can support repair and restoration work to Old Sun Community College. This plan was created using Autodesk Revit and forms part of a larger Building Information Model (BIM) of the school. A BIM is essentially a digital representation of the physical and functional properties of Old Sun. The Revit drawings and laser scanning data for this school are securely archived with access controlled by the Old Sun Advisory Committee. They can be used to renovate, repair, and even replace the Old Sun Community College building should it ever be damaged or lost.