Folder 2055293 - Livestock

Fort Alexander Indian Residential School (IRS) was located on the Fort Alexander Reserve Number 3, near Pine Falls, northeast of Winnipeg, on the south bank of the river. The IRS was in operation from 1904 - 1970 (66 years).

Other names identifying the residential school include Fort Alexander Boarding School (1905 - 1925), Fort Alexander Indian Residential School, Fort Alexander Residential School, Fort Alexander Residential and Day (1925 - 1968), and Fort Alexander Student Residence (1968 - 1970). The IRS became a residence/hostel in September 1969.

The Government of Canada was responsible for funding the school, which was managed and operated by the Roman Catholic Church. From 1904 - 1970, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate was in charge and from 1905 - 1914, the Sisters of St. Andrew of the Cross or Daughters of the Holy Cross or Sisters of the Cross provided religious services. From July 1914 to 1970, it was the Missionary Oblate Sisters, St. Boniface, who provided teachers and domestic staff. The Fort Alexander IRS closed in 1970. On March 11, 1914, an Operational Agreement was signed by the federal government and the Oblates of Mary Immaculate to provide the IRS's management operations. On September 25, 1962, the government entered into an agreement with the Indian Eskimo Commission of the Roman Catholic Church (INDIANESCOM) for the IRS's management and operation.

Grades taught at the IRS from 1904 - 1939 were mainly primary and elementary except for six years when junior high classes were available. From 1939 - 1953, classes up to grade 9 (primary, elementary, junior high) were taught. For five years from 1953 - 1958, high school classes were also taught at the IRS. From 1958 - 1969, classes included up to grade 8 with kindergarten made available for a few years as well. IRS students attended the Powerview Collegiate in Powerview for grade 9 for three years from 1965 - 1968. Enrolment statistics indicate averages of various periods from 1904 - 1970. The average enrolment ranges from a high of 130 (1949 - 1958) to a low of 45 (1904 - 1906, and 1970). Statistics for day scholars in attendance at the IRS are from 1949 -1970, indicating a trend of increasing enrolment over time.