CHIEF LOUIS CENTRE
The Centre is located on the north side of the South Thompson River. Originating as the Kamloops Industrial School it opened June 1, 1890 for the training of indigenous boys for agriculture and girls for domestic work. While they were in residence it was expected that they adopt white Anglo-Canadian culture. This first boarding school could accommodate fifty children. By 1892, Chiefs and community members began removing their children from the school because the school was not providing the education component to the satisfaction of the community. By 1892, only thirteen students remained resulting in the resignation of Principal Hagan and the closure of the school.
The school reopened on April 4, 1893 under the direction of the Oblate Missionaries while the sisters of St. Ann's tended to the girls' training. Student attendance improved dramatically under the newly appointed Principal Father Alphonse Carion despite the continued focus on labour rather than education. A new wood main building was built in 1898. It was still in use when the 'new' brick building, the Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS) began construction in 1923. Students from the Industrial School were moved into the incomplete KIRS building when it was destroyed by fire on December 24, 1924. Construction of the new school spanned over several years with a new girl's wing added in 1925. The official opening of the school took place on April 19 1929. The construction of KIRS coincided with an amendment to the Indian Act making attendance at schools compulsory. The new school could accommodate between 300 - 400 students from the district. It was formally closed in 1977.
Now it is the center of indigenous culture with its Secwépemc
Museum, Heritage park and Pow Wow circle.
For tours of the buildings contact the Secwépemc
Museum (250 - 828 - 9749)
e-mail: museum@kib.ca
Source: Kamloops Heritage Commission