UCalgary creates 3D models of residential schools to preserve history, create learning opportunities

The University of Calgary’s Taylor Family Digital Library is working alongside Indigenous communities to create 3D models of residential schools in Alberta. The project focuses on creating virtual and physical models of residential schools to preserve history and create learning opportunities for those who want to learn more. Residential school survivors’ stories are embedded in the digital replicas of the schools. Using lidar technology and the original building plans, UCalgary has recreated the Old Sun Indian Residential School at Siksika Nation, Blue Quills school in St Paul, and Poundmaker’s Lodge Carriage House in St Albert. “We can’t be part of erasing our own history,” said residential school survivor Vivian Ayoungman. “We have to have the evidence. We want to preserve that building so that people know that it wasn’t a figment of our imagination. That it really happened to us.” CBC| Castanet Note: Archived stories may contain dead links or be missing source links.