Folder 2056707 - Vocational Training

Coqualeetza Residential School was located at Coqualeetza in the interior of BC near Chilliwack. The IRS operated from 1889 - 1940 (51 years) and closed in 1940.

Other names identifying the residential school include Coqualeetza Boarding School, Coqualeetza Institute, Coqualeetza Home, Coqualeetza Industrial Institue, Indian Industrial Institute - Chilliwack, Chilliwack Home, Coqualeetza Institute, Coqualeetza Industrial School, Coqualeetza Indian Institute, and Coqualeetza Training Institute between 1889 - 1924. From 1924 - 1939, the following names identifying the IRS were Coqualeetza Residential School and Coqualeetza Indian Residential School.

The Government of Canada was responsible for funding the school, which was managed and operated by the Methodist Church then the United Church from 1889 - 1940. Additionally, the Women's Missionary Society of the Methodist Church and the Board of Home Missions of the United Church was involved. To date, we have not located any written agreements regarding the Coqualeetza IRS.

No information regarding which grades were taught at the IRS exists.

Students from the following bands attended the IRS: Aiyansh, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, Campbell River, Capilano, Chemainus, Clo'oose, Cowichan, Gitlakdamix, Haida, Hartley Bay, Hazelton, Kemano, Kilgard, Kincolith, Kitalope, Kitamaat, Kitkatla, Klemtu, Koksilah, Lakalsap, Lytton, Malahat, Massett, Musqueam, Nanaimo, Nanoose, Nitinaht, Port Essington, Port Renfrew, Port Simpson, Quamichan, Saanichton, Salishan, Salmon River, Skulkayn, Somenos, Soowahlia, Sumas, and Teheaston.