Residential schools were a system of educational institutions established by the Canadian government in the 19th and 20th centuries. The purpose of these schools was to assimilate Indigenous children into the dominant Canadian culture. The schools were run by the government and religious organizations, and Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and communities and placed in the schools.
At the residential schools, Indigenous children were subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. They were also denied access to their culture and language, and were taught to reject their own identity. The legacy of residential schools has had a lasting impact on Indigenous communities in Canada.
Today, the Canadian government has taken steps to address the legacy of residential schools. In 2008, the government issued an official apology for the residential school system, and in 2016, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established to investigate the history of residential schools and their impact on Indigenous communities. The Commission released its final report in 2015, which included 94 calls to action to address the legacy of residential schools.
The legacy of residential schools is still felt in Indigenous communities today. Many Indigenous people have experienced intergenerational trauma as a result of the residential school system, and the effects of this trauma can be seen in the high rates of poverty, addiction, and mental health issues in Indigenous communities.
The Canadian government has taken steps to address the legacy of residential schools, but there is still much work to be done. It is important to remember the history of residential schools and to continue to work towards reconciliation and healing for Indigenous communities.
Benefits
Benefits of residential school include:
1. Academic Excellence: Residential schools provide a safe and secure learning environment with access to quality education and resources. Students are able to focus on their studies and benefit from the individual attention and guidance of experienced teachers.
2. Social Development: Residential schools provide a supportive and nurturing environment for students to develop their social skills. Students are able to interact with peers from different backgrounds and cultures, which helps them to develop empathy and understanding.
3. Personal Growth: Residential schools provide an opportunity for students to develop their independence and self-confidence. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop their own interests and talents.
4. Leadership Opportunities: Residential schools provide students with the opportunity to develop their leadership skills. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles and to participate in activities such as student government and community service.
5. Cultural Exchange: Residential schools provide students with the opportunity to learn about different cultures and to develop an appreciation for diversity. Students are able to interact with peers from different backgrounds and cultures, which helps them to develop empathy and understanding.
6. Life Skills: Residential schools provide students with the opportunity to develop important life skills such as time management, problem solving, and communication. Students are able to develop these skills in a safe and supportive environment.
7. Career Preparation: Residential schools provide students with the opportunity to explore different career paths and to develop the skills necessary for success. Students are able to take advantage of career counseling and job placement services.
8. Mental Health Support: Residential schools provide students with access to mental health
Tips Residential School
1. Research the history of residential schools in Canada. Understand the history of the residential school system, the impact it had on Indigenous communities, and the legacy it has left behind.
2. Educate yourself on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action. Learn about the TRC’s recommendations for reconciliation and how they can be implemented in your community.
3. Acknowledge the truth of the residential school system. Acknowledge the truth of the residential school system and the harm it caused to Indigenous communities.
4. Listen to the stories of survivors. Listen to the stories of survivors and their families to gain a better understanding of the impact of the residential school system.
5. Support Indigenous-led initiatives. Support Indigenous-led initiatives that are working to heal the legacy of the residential school system and promote reconciliation.
6. Participate in reconciliation activities. Participate in reconciliation activities in your community, such as cultural events, educational programs, and community dialogues.
7. Advocate for Indigenous rights. Advocate for Indigenous rights and the implementation of the TRC’s Calls to Action.
8. Respect Indigenous cultures and traditions. Respect Indigenous cultures and traditions by learning about them and engaging in cultural activities.
9. Support Indigenous-led organizations. Support Indigenous-led organizations that are working to promote reconciliation and heal the legacy of the residential school system.
10. Speak out against racism. Speak out against racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples.
