The remaining buildings of a former Vancouver Island residential school were demolished Thursday as survivors and family members looked on.

The Christie Residential School originally opened in 1900 on Meares Island before being relocated to Tofino, B.C., in 1971.

It stayed in operation until 1983 and was one of the last operating residential schools in British Columbia.

Over the years, various portions of the school have been destroyed, move or repurposed , but a trio of outbuildings remained in place at the original Meares Island site.

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The Ahousaht Residential School Research team provided former students with free ferry transport to visit the buildings and witness their demolition, along with a healing ceremony and support. WATCH | Ceremony he

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