Residential Schools in Canada

Definition

Residential schools in Canada were government-sponsored religious schools established to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. These institutions aimed to erase Indigenous languages, traditions, and identities, leading to a devastating impact on Indigenous communities across the country.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The residential school system operated in Canada from the late 19th century until the late 20th century, with over 150,000 Indigenous children forced into these institutions.
2. Many children experienced harsh conditions, including physical and emotional abuse, as well as neglect, which has led to intergenerational trauma within Indigenous communities.
3. The primary goal of these schools was to eliminate Indigenous cultures and languages, which was reflected in policies that prohibited children from speaking their native languages or practicing their traditions.
4. In 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper formally apologized for the government's role in the residential school system, acknowledging the harm done to Indigenous children and communities.
5. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report in 2015 highlighted the need for ongoing efforts towards reconciliation and called for action to address the legacy of residential schools.

Review Questions

• What were the primary objectives of residential schools in Canada, and how did they impact Indigenous children?
  • The primary objectives of residential schools were to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture by eradicating their languages, traditions, and identities. Children were forcibly removed from their families and communities, leading to significant psychological and cultural trauma. Many experienced harsh treatment that not only impacted their childhood but also had lasting effects on their communities and future generations.
• Discuss the relationship between the Indian Act and the establishment of residential schools in Canada.
  • The Indian Act provided the legal framework that facilitated the establishment of residential schools in Canada by giving the government authority over Indigenous peoples' lives. It allowed for policies that aimed at assimilating Indigenous children into mainstream society, creating a system where education was used as a tool for cultural suppression. This legislation was a key component in enforcing the government's goals of erasing Indigenous identities through education.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of residential schools on Indigenous communities in Canada and how contemporary efforts aim to address these impacts.
  • The long-term effects of residential schools on Indigenous communities have been profound, contributing to intergenerational trauma, loss of language and culture, and social challenges such as substance abuse and mental health issues. Contemporary efforts like those initiated by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission aim to acknowledge this history, promote healing, and foster reconciliation. By recognizing past wrongs and working towards restoring cultural identities and community ties, these initiatives seek to create a path for meaningful change and recovery for Indigenous peoples.

Related terms

Indian Act: A Canadian federal law that governed the relationship between the government and Indigenous peoples, enabling policies that led to the establishment of residential schools.

Cultural Genocide: The systematic destruction of a group's culture, which occurred in Canada through the residential school system as Indigenous identities were forcibly suppressed.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission: A commission established to document the history and lasting impacts of residential schools, aiming to promote healing and reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and Canadian society.