CIA MKULTRA Ties, Missing Children, and Unmarked Graves at McGill?
DISCLOSURES
In April 2023, a group of Kanien’kehá:ka women known as the Mohawk Mothers, or Kahnistensera, reached a landmark settlement agreement with McGill University and the Société québécoise des infrastructures (SQI). The agreement outlined a process for careful archaeological investigations to search for possible unmarked graves on the grounds of the former Royal Victoria Hospital, now part of McGill’s New Vic project. This followed years of advocacy and a successful injunction in October 2022 that paused excavation work.
The Mothers have raised concerns that the site, connected to the Allan Memorial Institute and historical psychiatric experiments including those linked to the CIA’s MKULTRA program, may hold the remains of Indigenous children and others affected by medical mistreatment or neglect in the mid-20th century. Their work draws on survivor accounts, archival documents, and various detection methods.
Key Developments Since the 2023 Agreement
The settlement created a panel of expert archaeologists to guide non-invasive techniques such as ground-penetrating radar and other tools. Excavation would advance only after thorough checks, with cultural monitors from the Mothers participating. All parties agreed to share relevant archives.
Disagreements emerged soon after. In late 2023, the Mothers returned to Quebec Superior Court, claiming that McGill and the SQI had not fully respected the panel’s role. Justice Gregory Moore sided with them in November 2023 and ordered compliance.
The Quebec Court of Appeal overturned that decision in August 2024, ruling the agreement unenforceable in that context. The Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear the Mothers’ appeal in January 2025.
Recent Updates and Current Status (as of May 2026)
Legal proceedings continued through 2025. In September 2025, the Mohawk Mothers held a press conference at the Allan Memorial Institute on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. They presented new findings from soil probes and detection dogs that suggested possible burial locations at both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Allan Memorial sites. They initially planned an interlocutory motion to protect specific zones but later shifted focus toward broader legal action.
By early October 2025, the group prepared for a full trial in Quebec Superior Court, anticipated by the end of March 2026. This trial is expected to review compliance with the 2023 settlement, examine all evidence of potential remains, and assess whether obligations were met.
McGill University has consistently stated that no credible evidence of human remains has been confirmed through completed studies. The university and SQI have emphasized adherence to the agreement’s protocols and have proceeded with aspects of the Sustainability Park project while committing to stop work if discoveries arise.
The Mothers, supported by anthropologists and community allies, continue to advocate for Indigenous-led processes, transparency, and alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. They stress that thorough investigation honors victims and advances reconciliation.
As the 2026 trial nears, courts will weigh project timelines against the need for respectful, evidence-based searches. Archival research and survivor testimonies remain central.
References
APTN News. “‘Mohawk Mothers’ reach agreement with McGill to search hospital grounds for unmarked grave.” April 21, 2023.
The Tribune. “Mohawk Mothers reach settlement agreement with McGill to search for potential graves at New Vic site.” May 4, 2023.
Mohawk Mothers official website. “Our Connection to the New Vic Project.” Accessed 2026.
McGill University. “New Vic Project FAQ.” Provost’s Office. Accessed 2026.
The Conversation. “Mapping unmarked graves: Why the Mohawk Mothers are fighting McGill University.” September 28, 2023.
CBC News. “Supreme Court won’t hear Mohawk Mothers appeal over McGill expansion.” January 16, 2025.
Montreal CityNews. “Mohawk Mothers want to stop excavation at new sites in Montreal in search for unmarked graves.” September 30, 2025.
The Eastern Door. “Mohawk Mothers announce injunction motion.” October 2, 2025.
The Tribune. “Mohawk Mothers seek new legal recourse against SQI and McGill regarding New Vic site.” October 7, 2025.
Montreal Gazette. “Court of Appeal reverses order on unmarked grave search at old Royal Victoria site.” August 18, 2024.
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