Finding Percy, part 2 with Claire Onabigon and Kelsey Anger

2026-04-14

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 s...

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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