In Part 2 of Finding Percy, Claire Onabigon continues her decades-long search for her uncle Percy Onabigon. With the support of researcher Kelsey Anger, they uncover long-hidden records that trace Percy’s movements through residential school and multiple institutions in southern Ontario. Their work reveals the conditions he lived in, how he was moved without family knowledge, and that he died of tuberculosis far from home. Despite federal refusals and heavy bureaucratic barriers, Claire and her community persist and ultimately secure provincial support to exhume Percy, confirm his identity, and prepare for his return to Long Lake #58 First Nation. This episode follows the emotional ceremonies, the allies who stepped forward, and the collective effort that finally brought Percy Onabigon home after 60 years.
* Some of the content of this episode may be upsetting to some listeners. Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310. Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada, whether you prefer to talk to someone on the phone or online. This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/u2tzwidi6qirmcwb/Finding_Percy_pt2_Transcript_Final_2026-04-14.pdf
Music: Minou-Pimatiswen by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, and The Longest Route by Justin Delorme, provided by Nagamo Publishing.
Links and Resources:
Anishinabek Nation – Indian Residential, Day and Industrial Schools https://anishinabek.ca/irs/
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation https://nctr.ca/
Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1622742779529/1628608766235
Ontario Archives – Records related to Indigenous Peoples https://www.archives.gov.on.ca/topic/records-related-to-indigenous-peoples/ Office of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools https://osi-bis.ca/ Truth and Reconciliation Final Report Volume 4 - Canada's Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Volume_4_Missing_Children_English_Web.pdf Oxford County Archives shares “The Long Road Back: Bringing Percy Home” https://www.oxfordcounty.ca/news/posts/new-memorial-display-reflects-on-oxford-county-s-connection-to-the-legacy-of-residential-schools/
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