The Origins and Purpose of Residential Schools
The residential school system in Canada was a network of boarding schools established by the Canadian government and administered by various Christian churches. The first of these schools opened in the 1830s, but the system expanded significantly after the passage of the Indian Act in 1876. The primary goal of these schools was to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian society. Government and church officials believed that Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions were inferior and that children needed to be "civilized" to become part of mainstream society.
The schools were set up with the intent of separating children from their families and communities, severing the cultural and familial ties that were vital to Indigenous identity. By removing children from their homes, the system aimed to ensure that they would grow up without the influence of their traditional cultures, thereby erasing their Indigenous identities.
Life Inside Residential Schools
For the children who were forced to attend these schools, life was often a nightmare. Upon arrival, children were stripped of their traditional clothing, their hair was cut, and they were issued uniforms. They were forbidden to speak their native languages or practice their cultural traditions. Punishments for breaking these rules were often harsh and included physical abuse.
The education provided at residential schools was minimal and focused more on religious instruction and manual labor than on academic learning. The curriculum was designed to train children for low-paying jobs in the Euro-Canadian economy, rather than to prepare them for a future where they could thrive in their own communities.
Conditions in these schools were frequently appalling. The food was often inadequate, leading to malnutrition. Children were frequently subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Overcrowding and unsanitary conditions led to the spread of diseases like tuberculosis, which claimed the lives of many students. Tragically, many children never returned home, their families never informed of their deaths, and many were buried in unmarked graves.
Male students in the assembly hall of the Alberni Indian Residential School, 1960s. United Church Archives, Toronto, from Mission to Partnership Collection.
The Lasting Impact on Indigenous Communities
The trauma inflicted by the residential school system has had a profound and lasting impact on Indigenous communities across Canada. The separation of children from their families and the abuse they endured in these schools led to widespread intergenerational trauma. Many survivors of residential schools struggled with their identities, having been forcibly separated from their cultures and communities at a young age. This trauma has contributed to ongoing challenges in Indigenous communities, including high rates of substance abuse, mental health issues, and suicide.
The loss of language and culture has also had devastating effects. Many Indigenous languages have been critically endangered or lost entirely due to the forced assimilation policies of the residential school system. The disruption of cultural transmission from one generation to the next has made it difficult for many Indigenous people to reconnect with their heritage.
Truth and Reconciliation
In recent years, Canada has begun to confront the legacy of the residential school system. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), established in 2008, played a crucial role in bringing the stories of residential school survivors to light. The TRC gathered testimonies from thousands of survivors and documented the history and legacy of the residential schools. In its final report, the TRC issued 94 Calls to Action, aimed at addressing the ongoing effects of the residential school system and promoting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
One of the key recommendations of the TRC was the need for public education about the residential school system. Orange Shirt Day is a vital part of this effort, serving as a day of reflection and a reminder of the need for ongoing reconciliation. It is a day for Canadians to acknowledge the harm caused by the residential schools, to honor the survivors, and to commit to learning about this dark chapter in our history.
Conclusion
The residential school system was not just an educational initiative; it was a tool of cultural genocide, designed to erase Indigenous identities and disrupt the bonds between children and their communities. The trauma inflicted by these schools continues to affect Indigenous people today, making it essential for all Canadians to acknowledge this history and commit to the ongoing work of reconciliation.
As we move through September, let us carry with us the stories of those who suffered in residential schools. Let us remember the children who never came home and honor the resilience of the survivors. And let us commit ourselves to learning, understanding, and taking action to support the healing and revitalization of Indigenous communities.