Residential Schools in Canada: A Timeline

Summary

This script details the dark history of Canada's residential school system, which aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into Western culture by separating them from their families and culture. It chronicles the system's establishment, the government's neglect leading to high death rates, acts of resistance, and eventual public inquiry. The lasting impact is highlighted, with over 80,000 survivors and their families still grappling with the effects, leading to calls for reconciliation and acknowledgment of 'cultural genocide'.

Takeaways

• 🏫 The Mohawk Institute, run by the Anglican Church, was the first government-funded residential school in Canada, marking the beginning of a system aimed at assimilating Indigenous children into Western culture.
• 📜 The Indian Act gave the Canadian government control over Indigenous rights and culture, excluding Métis and Inuit from Status Indian status.
• 👨‍🏫 Prime Minister John A. Macdonald authorized the creation of the residential school system, which aimed to isolate Indigenous children from their families and cultures.
• 🔥 Students resisted the system by setting fires in schools, reflecting the widespread discontent and desire for freedom.
• 🌐 The residential school system expanded to include Inuit children, with six schools opening in the Western Arctic.
• 👶 Over 20,000 Indigenous children were taken from their families and placed in non-Indigenous foster care or adoption homes, leading to a loss of cultural identity.
• 🚑 Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce exposed the government's neglect of Indigenous children's health, including high death rates in residential schools.
• 🏢 The Canadian government eventually took over all residential schools from churches, indicating a shift in the administration of the system.
• 🙍‍♂️ Phil Fontaine's public account of abuse at a residential school led to a call for a public inquiry, which began in 1991.
• 📉 The last federally run residential school closed in 1996, marking the end of the system but not the end of its effects.
• 🙏 Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologized for Canada's role in the operation of residential schools, acknowledging the harm caused.
• 📚 The Truth and Reconciliation Commission characterized Canada's treatment of Indigenous people as 'cultural genocide', highlighting the severity of the impact.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the mission schools for Indigenous children run by religious orders?

The mission schools were the precursors to the government of Canada's residential school system, aimed at assimilating Indigenous children into Western culture by separating them from their families and cultures.

Which religious organization ran the Mohawk Institute, and what was its significance?

The Mohawk Institute was run by the Anglican Church and became a boarding school. It is significant as it was the first government-funded residential school in Canada.

What was the Indian Act, and how did it affect Indigenous people?

The Indian Act was legislation that gave the Canadian government control over Indigenous rights and culture, including education. It excluded Métis and Inuit from being recognized as Status Indians.

Who authorized the creation of the residential school system, and what was its main goal?

Prime Minister John A. Macdonald authorized the creation of the residential school system, which aimed to isolate Indigenous children from their families and cut all ties to their cultures.

What was the impact of Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce's findings on the government's handling of Indigenous children's health?

Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce exposed the government's neglect of Indigenous children's health, including high death rates in residential schools, which brought attention to the poor conditions and treatment of the children.

How did students resist the residential school system?

Students resisted the residential school system by setting fires in dozens of schools across Canada, as a form of protest against their forced assimilation and the conditions they were subjected to.

What was the role of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in addressing the legacy of residential schools?

The TRC was established to provide a permanent archive of materials and testimonies on residential schools. It characterized Canada's treatment of Indigenous people as 'cultural genocide' and released a summary of its findings with 94 calls to action aimed at redressing the legacy and assisting in Canadian reconciliation.

What compensation did the Canadian government provide to survivors of the residential school system?

The government provided compensation to survivors, including the Common Experience Payment, and focused on funding and supporting Indigenous health and healing services.

What was the significance of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's apology to former students of residential schools?

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's apology was a formal acknowledgment of Canada's role in the operation of residential schools and an attempt to begin the process of reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

How did the residential school system impact the lives of Indigenous children who were forced to attend?

The residential school system led to the loss of connection with Indigenous language, culture, and identity for many children, as well as causing emotional and psychological problems, as evidenced by the findings of a formal investigation into the death of Chanie Wenjack.

What is the lasting legacy of the residential school system on survivors and their families?

The legacy of the residential school system includes the deaths of thousands of children and the ongoing struggle of over 80,000 survivors and their families who still live with the trauma and loss of culture.