Introducing Cranbrook BC, a 12 x 12 x 5 inches sculpture from the Unearthed collection. Each side reveals a different feel, both organic in nature. Every rusted nail, twig, bead and etch mark represents a child who never made it home from the residential schools in Canada.

The Kootenay or St. Eugene’s residential school opened in 1890 just north of Cranbrook, BC. Initially, it was replaced with an industrial school in 1912. An Indian Agent reported in 1935 that due to poor food, overwork, and sickness, parents were forced to send their children to the school. Despite changes in leadership, school attendance and runaways remained ongoing problems. There were also recurring outbreaks of influenza, mumps, measles, chicken pox, and tuberculosis. In 1969, the federal government took over the operation of the residence, closing it the following year.”