Canada’s Dark Past: Residential Schools

The residential school system in Canada represents a dark and complex chapter in the country’s history. Established by the Canadian Government under Prime Minister John Macdonald in 1883, the primary objective was to assimilate Indigenous children into Western culture. The schools aimed to eradicate the cultural identities of Indigenous people by removing children from their families and communities and placing them in institutions where they were forced to abandon their languages, traditions, and practices.

Origins and Purpose of Residential Schools

The foundation of the residential school system was built on the belief that Indigenous cultures were inferior and needed to be replaced with European Christian values and lifestyles. The government partnered with several Christian denominations, including Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, and United Churches, to establish and operate these schools across the country. The underlying intent was to “civilize” Indigenous children, which, in the eyes of the government and many Canadians at the time, meant indoctrinating them with European customs and the Christian religion.

Funding and Operation of the Schools

Due to insufficient government funding, residential schools were often reliant on external contributions, particularly from local churches. This financial instability led to poor living conditions within the schools. To cope with the lack of funds, educators frequently used the children as laborers. The students were made to perform tasks such as rearing animals, sewing clothing, and cultivating vegetables. These activities were presented as vocational training but were primarily intended to help sustain the schools economically.

Church Influence and Cultural Suppression

With the majority of residential schools run by religious organizations, the church had a significant influence on the operation and educational content of these institutions. As a result, there was a systematic ban on the use of Indigenous languages and the practice of cultural traditions. The children were often punished for speaking their native tongues or engaging in traditional practices. This suppression of culture was a deliberate attempt to disconnect Indigenous youth from their heritage and assimilate them into what was considered mainstream Canadian society.

Forced Separation and Abuse

Many Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families and communities to live in residential schools, which were frequently located far from their homes. This separation caused lasting trauma to both the children and their families. Once in the schools, the children were subjected to various forms of abuse, including physical, psychological, and sometimes sexual abuse, perpetrated by the staff members of these institutions. Additionally, the living conditions in many schools were extremely poor, with overcrowding, inadequate heating, and unsanitary facilities contributing to the spread of diseases and high mortality rates among the students.

Long-term Impact and Closure

The long-term impact of the residential school system has been profound and intergenerational. Survivors often left the schools without the skills or knowledge to integrate into either Indigenous or Canadian society successfully, leading to cycles of trauma and social issues that have affected subsequent generations. It wasn’t until the latter half of the 20th century that the Canadian government began to dismantle the residential school system, acknowledging its detrimental effects on Indigenous communities. The last residential school closed in 1996, marking the end of a system that operated for over a century.

The legacy of residential schools continues to affect Indigenous communities in Canada. Recognizing this, the Canadian government has taken steps toward reconciliation, including the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2008 to document the experiences of survivors and make recommendations for addressing the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada.