This program gives students an overview of the residential school system in Canada. Combining archival footage with residential school survivor interviews, students will learn why and how the schools were established, the effect of treaties on aboriginal life, the impact of residential schools on future generations, what life was like for children in these schools, and an appreciation of aboriginal culture and history.

An Overview of Residential Schools in Canada..First Nations people have lived in this country for many thousands of years. They were here long before anyone else. In the 16th century, European explores and missionaries began making their way to Canada. Life would begin to change drastically for many aboriginal people. Disease, loss of culture, loss of land, and unkept promises. As the Canadian government looked for a way to expand westward, a series of treaties set in motion a system of residential schools. Education was a way to "assimilate" the children-to make them behave and think more like the Europeans who were taking over Canada. Residential schools had a lasting impact on First Nations individuals, families and communities. Children came home lonely, depressed and scared. Many had died without ever seeing their parents again.