"Sides differ over preservation of residential school"

MARIEVAL, Sask. (CP) - The symbolic significance of the last of Saskatchewan's original residential schools has sparked a feud between the former and current chiefs of the Cowessess First Nation.

Former chief Terry Lavallee wants the Marieval school, built in 1897, preserved as a museum and a reminder of the physical and sexual abuse aboriginal students suffered at the church-run facilities.

Current chief Terrence Pelletier says the building is a black mark on aboriginal history and should be torn down so a new $8-million school can be built on the site.

Demolition has already begun on the east wall of the school, and the rest is scheduled to be brought down in the coming month.

Lavallee said he will seek a court injunction to stop the demolition.

"(The history) is no reason to save it, and it is no reason to demolish it," said Pelletier. "We are making room for a new school. We've got 250 kids here that we have to consider. Why would we want to keep a piece of garbage like (Marieval School) around?"

"The Department of Indian Affairs wants to wipe the slate clean," countered Lavallee. "In traditional aboriginal culture, one of the main roles in healing is you have to be able to face your adversaries. With the building gone, there will be no chance of any healing at all ever."

Pelletier accused Lavallee of using the building as a political ploy since Lavallee lost the last band election to him by only one vote and is currently appealing that result.