The telling of Canad'a history is not complete without this story. Some refer to it as a "cultural genocide." Generations upon generations of aboriginal people have been affected by the abuse and horrors experienced in this schools. The Truth and Reconciliation Summary that was undertaken as an element of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement outlines 94 recommendations for achieving a full reconciliation between Canada's Native and non-native peoples.
General Note
Residential Schools are a art of our shared history in Canada. Prior to European contact, First nations peo;e had their own education system, governing system, beliefs and customs. While some positive alliances were established, the arrival of missionaries and others kicked off a systematic attack on the traditional customs and culture of native communities. In 1883, as a result of treaty negotiations and government proclamations, Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald authorized the creation of three "industrial schools." Thus began the misguided attempt "to kill the indian in the child."
Content Note
Between 1879 and 1986, at least 150,000 aboriginal children in Canada were forcibly removed and placed into Indian Residential Schools. The assault on Aboriginal identity began the moment children took their first step across the school's threshold.