Some victims are buried in the church graveyard, others are buried in a mass grave on the island across from it. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

memorial

Fundraiser launched to honour influenza victims in Stanley Mission

Mar 30, 2023 | 5:00 PM

A fundraiser is underway to create a memorial bronze plaque to commemorate and honour the influenza pandemic victims of 1920 at Stanley Mission.

The project is being spearheaded by Lac La Ronge Indian Band members Teron Roberts and Solomon Ratt, who are looking to raise $5,000 through an online GoFundMe campaign. The duo have already raised $1,000 as of 5 p.m. on March 30.

“I have records from the Diocese of Saskatchewan, an actual burial register and they recorded 36 people, but that’s just a drop in the bucket from what actually was done,” Roberts said.

“I’ve interviewed local Elders from Stanley Mission, Grandmother’s Bay and La Ronge, and they give other stories of people who lived on the land and died in their territory or their cabins and are buried out there. This is just the number the register has. I’m sure it is more than that. We wanted to remember them too with this plaque.”

The influenza pandemic of 1918-1920, also called Spanish influenza pandemic, was the most severe global influenza outbreak of the 20th century and, in terms of total numbers of deaths, among the most devastating pandemics in human history.

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It resulted in an estimated 25 to 50 million deaths and affected 20 per cent of the world’s population.

“Influenza really was a bad disease. It affected your respiratory, your bowel movements. It was really bad,” Roberts said.

Roberts explained influenza devastated Stanley Mission in March 1920 with most residents becoming infected. All 36 recorded deaths with ages ranging from six months to 88 years old, occurred that month.

Some of those who died from influenza were buried near the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, while others were buried in a mass grave on the island across from it.

“After they buried the people on the island, they forbid anyone from going there because they were afraid of the sickness. They didn’t want it to come back,” Roberts said.

Roberts is hopeful the funds for the plaque can be raised by summer and a celebration with a service can take place. He would like band leadership and living relatives of influenza victims to be in attendance for it.

The plaque is expect to be installed by another sign leading up to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno