Residential Schools
They were created in 1883 to help provide education to indigenous peoples. The government’s goal however, was to assimilate young indigenous children. They wanted them to learn culture and language of Europeans to fit into society better. Most were operated by churches. Children were forbidden to wear traditional clothing or practice cultural practices.
Assimilation is to cause a person or group to become part of a different society or country
Reconciliation is the act of causing two people or groups to become friendly again after a conflict or disagreement.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
It is a commission set up by the government in 2008 that was made to investigate the history and impacts of the Canadian residential school system on Indigenous children and their families.
It documented stories of trauma and tragedy that came out of the residential school system. It collected testimonies from more than about 6500 people.
94 Calls to Action
Indian Act
Namwayut
Children’s hair were cropped and dosed in kerosene. Indigenous peoples were broken because of addiction, alcohol, violence, segregation, and lack of social skills. Around 150K Indigenous children went to residential schools.
Canada has committed cultural genocide