Overgrown land must be cleared before the radar can be brought in, he said.
The nation owns the former school site, as well as additional property behind it that may need to be examined as well, Watts said.
Some of the school’s buildings have been torn down, while a hall and a gymnasium remain standing and are frequently used, although the hall may be torn down in future.
Watts said the first step is to gather information and interview school survivors about potential locations to investigate.
Watts said federal and provincial funding is expected to cover the costs of the work.
Tseshaht First Nation set to begin investigating former Alberni residential school site timescolonist.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from timescolonist.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.