Digitally Preserving Former Indian Residential Schools in Alberta

Old Sun Community College Timeline

Old Sun Indian Residential School was located on Treaty 7 territory on the Blackfoot Reserve, just south of Gleichen, AB. Old Sun Indian Residential School was active from 1884 to 1971. The timeline below presents a chronological overview of significant events in the school’s history.

Old Sun Indian Residential School was also known by the following names: Old Suns/Old Sun’s Boarding School Blackfoot (Old Suns); Church of England Boarding School; Old Sun’s Anglican School; Old Sun’s Indian Boarding School; Old Sun School; Old Sun Student Residence. The majority of students attending the school were from the Siksika Nation. Other students who attended were from the Blood Band, Peigan Band, and the Crowfoot Reserve. The school was operated by the Anglican school of Canada and funded by the Government of Canada who also took over operations on April 1, 1969.

  • 1884

    October - Reverend John W. Tims opens a day school at the Blackfoot Reserve (North Camp), reports 40 children registered to the Department of Indian Affairs. Department of Indian Affairs (DIA) grants $100 to build a 16 x 30 metre mud roof school house

  • 1886

    Old Sun Boarding School is established by the Anglican Church (Church of England)

  • 1888

    May - Reverend Tims requests another $100 to build a second building with a shingle roof Elise Tims is appointed teacher

  • 1889

    Reverend Tims starts a girls home with four girls in attendance as boys move to White Eagle boarding school on the South camp

  • 1890

    Six boys between 10 - 14 years old are boarded at the mission, Reverend Tims seeks additional rations from the DIA

  • 1895

    Pupil Mabel Cree, daughter of Greasy Forehead, dies of what was likely diphtheria on June 2. School initially closes for one month; however, 13 children do not return on July 29, 1895. Community outcry and distrust leads to removal of Reverend Tims.

  • 1901

    Old Sun merges with White Eagle boarding school on the Blackfoot Reserve (a third school, Crowfoot, remains separate). Delays to building a new school due to a funding stalemate between church and government. No improvements made to either school for several years.

  • 1907

    Old Sun is deemed an inhospitable health hazard by Dr. P. H. Bryce (he identifies sanitation issues, decay, a lack of ventilation, and rampant communicable illness among students). There are at least two temporary closures during this time and the school reverts back to a day school under Principal Canon H.W. Gibbon Stocken.

  • 1911

    November - the day school is officially closed

  • 1912

    A newly built wooden boarding school opens under the direction of Principal Rev. Millard Gandier, who begins farming operations at the site.

  • 1922 - 1923

    The new school building is expanded, delaying the start of the school year

  • 1928

    The wooden school building burns to the ground, all pupils safe and sent home. Two day schools are put in place temporarily, taught by Rev. Gibney and Miss Hauver

  • 1930-1931

    A brick school building with four dormitories and four classrooms is completed. The official opening is in 1931

  • 1948

    A dispute continues regarding $80 000 borrowed from Blackfoot Band funds to construct the new school building, despite the DIA having agreed to repay the money in 2 years (the DIA had contributed $40,000)

  • 1949

    Enrollment reaches a peak of 155 resident students

  • 1952

    A new school block is added with two classrooms, teachers’ suites and basement rooms

  • 1959

    Some student boarders are integrated into provincial schools on the Blackfoot Reserve while living at the Old Sun residence

  • 1966

    All instruction, apart from some grade 1 teaching, ceases

  • 1970 - 1971

    Old Sun Indian Residential School closes

  • 1971

    Old Sun Community College opens in Siksika Nation established in partnership with with Mount Royal College (now Mount Royal University) to provide adult learning courses

  • 1977

    Old Sun Museum opens upstairs in Old Sun Community College campus

  • 1978

    Old Sun Community College becomes an independent institution run by the the Siksika Nation

  • 1988

    Old Sun Community College is awarded status as a private college

  • 1991

    Siksika Nation takes control of post-secondary education grants from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and establishes post-secondary student support program

  • 1996

    Siksika Nation Chief and Council assumes role of Old Sun Society Board of Governors

  • 2009

    Aboriginal Licensed Practical nurse Program begins in partnership with Bow Valley College and 11 students enrol

  • 2010

    Old Sun Community College develops and offers the Siksika Knowledge Program

  • 2011

    The 40th anniversary of Old Sun Community College

  • 2012

    The Maskwacis Cultural College's Indigenous Social Work Diploma Program begins at Old Sun Community College

  • 2016

    In collaboration with Sikiska Board of Education, Old Sun Community College creates the Blackfoot App, a language learning tool still available for both iPhone and Android

  • 2021

    Old Sun Community College celebrates its 50th anniversary


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