Métis Experiences | Ep 2 | Residential Schools

Summary

This episode of 'Residential Schools' by Historica Canada explores the harrowing experiences of Métis children in Canada’s residential school system. It highlights the challenges faced by Métis students, who were often treated as outsiders, caught between the colonial policies that marginalized their identities. Through Survivor testimonies, the episode reveals the devastating impacts of forced assimilation, cultural erasure, and abuse, while also emphasizing the ongoing legacy of these schools. The story also addresses how the Métis were historically neglected in the broader narrative of residential school history, shedding light on their often forgotten experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The episode warns listeners about potentially triggering content, focusing on the stories of residential school Survivors.
• 😀 Larry Langille reflects on his experience at Morley Residential School, where he received no education and struggled with ill-treatment.
• 😀 Over 150,000 Indigenous children attended residential schools, with thousands dying due to the system's harmful effects.
• 😀 Métis people faced unique challenges as they were often not recognized or supported by the government, and their experiences in residential schools were often overlooked.
• 😀 The federal government and churches established residential schools in the 1800s as part of a broader plan to forcibly assimilate Indigenous people into Euro-Canadian society.
• 😀 Métis children were placed in different categories for school attendance, often relegated to schools where they faced poor conditions and were treated as outsiders.
• 😀 Métis students were often used to fill quotas at other schools, with some being moved between schools to receive more government funding.
• 😀 Linda Blomme recalls how the residential school system alienated her, even though she initially felt proud of her heritage before entering the institution.
• 😀 Métis children were often caught between being 'too Indian' for public schools and 'too white' for residential schools, leading to discriminatory treatment and exclusion.
• 😀 The podcast discusses the legacy of residential schools, the impact on Métis communities, and the ongoing process of healing through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's work.

Q & A

What was the government’s goal in establishing residential schools in Canada?

The government's goal was the forced assimilation of Indigenous people into Euro-Canadian society. Residential schools were part of a broader effort to erase Indigenous languages, cultures, and traditions, and replace them with Western values and beliefs.

Why were Métis children often treated differently at residential schools?

Métis children were often marginalized and treated differently because they were considered 'too Indian' for public schools and 'too white' for residential schools. They were sometimes used to fill quotas in residential schools but were also subjected to separate and discriminatory treatment by both staff and peers.

How did the Indian Act affect the Métis population in Canada?

The Indian Act, introduced in 1876, gave the government sweeping powers over First Nations people, but the Métis were not included. This resulted in Métis people receiving little to no support or funding for education, healthcare, or other services, leaving them in a legal and social gray area.

What is the significance of the term 'extern' used in some residential schools?

The term 'extern' was used to refer to Métis students who were not allowed to stay overnight at residential schools, even if they lived far away. Despite attending the school, they were treated as second-class students and had to walk long distances daily to attend.

How did the Métis experience in residential schools reflect their broader societal status?

The Métis were often treated as outsiders, facing discrimination due to their mixed heritage. This status was exacerbated by policies like the Indian Act that stripped them of land rights and forced them to live on road allowances, further marginalizing their communities.

What role did language play in the punishment of Métis children in residential schools?

Speaking Indigenous languages, including Métis languages like Michif and Cree, was forbidden in residential schools. Children were punished severely for speaking their native tongues, which were branded as the 'devil’s language' by teachers and staff.

What challenges did Métis families face when trying to access education for their children?

Métis families faced numerous challenges, including lack of funding and support from the government. Many Métis children had to attend residential schools without proper resources, and in some cases, they were even expected to contribute to the school’s operations by working as laborers instead of receiving an education.

Why did some Métis families deny their heritage or identify as something else?

To avoid discrimination and persecution, some Métis families hid their identity by claiming to be of French, Italian, or other non-Indigenous heritage. This was a survival mechanism, especially after the Métis were seen as rebellious due to their involvement in historical events like the 1869 and 1885 Resistances.

What impact did the Truth and Reconciliation Commission have on the recognition of Métis experiences in residential schools?

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) helped bring awareness to the often-overlooked experiences of Métis children in residential schools. Survivors began to share their stories, which led to a broader understanding of how Métis communities were affected by the residential school system.

How did the Canadian government address the legacy of residential schools for Métis students?

The government’s apology and subsequent legal settlements, including a class-action lawsuit for Day School Survivors, began to recognize Métis students. However, many Métis schools, especially those that weren’t federally funded, were excluded from the original settlements. This omission was slowly addressed with further legal actions, ultimately resulting in compensation for many Métis Survivors.