The Canadian Residential School System
The Canadian Residential School System was a system of 132 schools across Canada designed exclusively for the education of Aboriginal children, opened by the government and run by church groups. The goal of these schools was to assimilate the children into the Western Culture so they could contribute to Canada's growing economy. Attendance was mandatory, and over 150,000 students experienced the system.
However, the treatment of students in residential schools was shocking. Firstly, schools eliminated all aspects of Native culture by prohibiting the clothing, long hair, and language of the child. Because of lack of funding, the schools were usually in poor condition and caused many deaths by disease, namely tuberculosis, among the children.
Children also suffered many forms of abuse while attending residential schools. Former survivors recount stories of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that have left unchangeable marks on their life forever.
This website will describe the suffering residential school students experienced as well as document the government's responses to the problem.
However, the treatment of students in residential schools was shocking. Firstly, schools eliminated all aspects of Native culture by prohibiting the clothing, long hair, and language of the child. Because of lack of funding, the schools were usually in poor condition and caused many deaths by disease, namely tuberculosis, among the children.
Children also suffered many forms of abuse while attending residential schools. Former survivors recount stories of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that have left unchangeable marks on their life forever.
This website will describe the suffering residential school students experienced as well as document the government's responses to the problem.