Residential schools

Definition

Residential schools were government-sponsored religious institutions established in Canada from the late 19th century to the 1990s, aimed at assimilating Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. These schools forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families and communities, leading to a significant loss of language, culture, and identity among Indigenous peoples, while perpetuating systemic racism and colonial policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Over 150,000 Indigenous children attended residential schools across Canada, where they faced harsh living conditions, neglect, and abuse.
2. The primary goal of residential schools was to assimilate Indigenous children into Western culture by forbidding them to speak their languages or practice their traditions.
3. Many survivors of residential schools suffer long-lasting psychological effects due to the trauma they experienced during their time in these institutions.
4. The legacy of residential schools continues to impact Indigenous communities today, contributing to ongoing issues related to mental health, addiction, and social challenges.
5. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report in 2015, calling for action to address the harms caused by residential schools and promote healing through education and awareness.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of residential schools reflect the broader policies of assimilation in Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
  • Residential schools were a key component of Canada's assimilation policies aimed at eradicating Indigenous cultures. The government believed that by removing Indigenous children from their families and placing them in these institutions, they could be indoctrinated into Euro-Canadian values. This approach was based on the belief that Indigenous ways of life were inferior, reflecting a broader agenda of cultural domination that sought to erase Indigenous identities.
• Discuss the role of the Indian Act in facilitating the operation of residential schools and its implications for Indigenous communities.
  • The Indian Act provided the legal framework that allowed the Canadian government to control various aspects of Indigenous life, including education. By enforcing policies that encouraged or mandated attendance at residential schools, the Act enabled the systematic removal of children from their families. This not only disrupted community bonds but also facilitated cultural erasure, as children were forbidden to speak their languages or engage in traditional practices. The Indian Act's implications extended beyond education; it shaped generations of trauma within Indigenous communities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations regarding residential schools and how they can influence future relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
  • The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations aim to foster healing and reconciliation by acknowledging the injustices faced by survivors of residential schools. By emphasizing education, awareness, and meaningful engagement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, these recommendations seek to address historical wrongs. However, their effectiveness depends on genuine commitment from all levels of government and society to implement changes that promote understanding and respect for Indigenous rights. This ongoing process is crucial for rebuilding trust and fostering a more equitable relationship moving forward.

Related terms

Indian Act: A Canadian law passed in 1876 that provided the federal government with control over many aspects of Indigenous life, including land use, governance, and education.

cultural genocide: The systematic destruction of a group's culture, identity, and way of life, often through policies and practices that aim to erase their traditions and languages.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission: A commission established in Canada to investigate the history and impacts of residential schools on Indigenous peoples and to promote healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.