Indigenous Education in the Past
Residential Schools
Indigenous Peoples Relationship with Education
"It is clear that the schools have been, arguably, the most damaging of the many elements of Canada’s colonization of this land’s original peoples and, as their consequences still affect the lives of Aboriginal people today, they remain so." —John S. Milloy, A National Crime, taken from Indigenousfoundations.art.ubc.ca
"It is clear that the schools have been, arguably, the most damaging of the many elements of Canada’s colonization of this land’s original peoples and, as their consequences still affect the lives of Aboriginal people today, they remain so." —John S. Milloy, A National Crime, taken from Indigenousfoundations.art.ubc.ca
What are the Residential Schools?
Residential Schools were schools set up by the Canadian Government in hopes of assimilating Indigenous students. The curriculum was administered by Churches and the main objective was to assimilate a more European culture into Indigenous children. These schools began operating in the 1880s and the last one officially closed in 1996.
Why?
Europeans believed that Aboriginal cultures, traditions, beliefs and languages were inferior to those of European culture. The Canadian Government wanted to prepare Aboriginal students for a life in Canadian Society, by educating them on European ways of living. However, the education of these children became traumatizing to their emotional, physical and spiritual well-being overtime.
Trauma
Throughout the time that these Residential Schools were operating in Canada, different laws passed that helped secure the assimilation of Aboriginal children. However, these laws often resulted in violence, abuse and neglect of Aboriginal children and families. Children were forced away from their families for the duration of the school year. They were not allowed to speak their own language or see their siblings that were at the school with them. Often times these Residential schools were underfunded and therefore children were not given enough to eat and often had to take care of the upkeep of the school while staying there. The assimilation process was not only educational but physical too. Upon the arrival of the school, Aboriginal children were taken from their families, forced to cut their hair and were even given a number instead of a name to be called on.
By clicking on the link below, you will be redirected to a website that offers virtual tours of the Mohawk Institute, a Canadian Indian Residential school that operated from 1885 to 19970. This link allows you to book a virtual tour.
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