"Every day begins
with the hope that we might change the world."
Jesse Lee Boarding School
From 1925 to 1964, the Jesse Lee Home operated in Seward as a boarding school for Native children. Like many similar institutions across the Northwest United States and Canada, it was a site of profound hardship. Children were separated from their families, cultures, and languages, often under coercive policies that aimed to assimilate them into dominant society. Tragically, many young lives were lost during this era due to illness, neglect, and the harsh conditions of the time. The Jesse Lee Cemetery became the final resting place for a number of these children
Years of Operation: 1925-1964
The Back Story
Why now? The Qutekcak community has long expressed a desire to reclaim and revitalize this site. These unmarked graves have stood as silent witnesses to untold grief. For decades, this site has symbolized the intergenerational trauma inflicted on Indigenous communities, a wound that echoes through families and tribes to this day.
For tribal members, it's more than a cemetery, it's sacred ground where ancestors rest, and where stories of survival can be shared.
By enhancing the space and creating this arch, we're helping to provide closure for families who may have never known the full extent of their losses. Imagine a parent or grandparent visiting for the first time, walking a clear path to a loved one's grave, feeling the weight of history lift just a little. This project aligns with broader movements across North America to address the legacies of boarding schools, including truth and reconciliation efforts that emphasize community-led initiatives.
At North of Hope, we see ourselves as true partners in this work. We've collaborated closely with tribal leaders and elders to ensure every decision reflects their priorities and values. Our role is to support, not to lead. To bring resources, volunteers, and expertise that amplify the tribe's voice. For the next season, until this work is done, we're organizing work teams from across the U.S. to assist with site preparation and construction. These teams will include skilled laborers, and anyone passionate about making a difference. It's an opportunity for hands-on involvement, where participants can learn from Qutekcak hosts about the site's history and significance.
Of course, bringing this vision to life requires resources. Every gift, no matter the size, moves us closer to completion. You can give online through our secure portal, or reach out for other options like planned giving or matching grants. Simply send a message to take these steps.
We don't take your support lightly. In a world where demands on our time and resources are constant, we appreciate that choosing to stand with us is a deliberate act of solidarity. For our Qutekcak friends and tribal members reading this: know that North of Hope is committed to being a respectful partner. This project is yours; born from your resilience and guided by your wisdom. We're here to walk alongside you, ensuring that the Jesse Lee Cemetery becomes a place of peace and empowerment for generations to come.
As we prepare for this important work, let's remember that healing isn't a solitary endeavor. It's communal, it's ongoing, and it's strengthened by each of us. Thank you for considering how you might join this meaningful chapter. Together, we're not just building pathways; we're paving the way for hope.
In partnership and gratitude,
Rod & Donna Koop
North of Hope