Residential Schools
What school did Bev Sellars go to?
St. Joseph’s Mission
What nation is Bev Sellars from?
Xat’sull (Soda Creek) First Nation
What is the message of the book?
Residential schools really hurt Indigenous people.
What uniforms did kids have to wear?
Ugly uniforms that didn’t fit well.
When was the book published?
What was the goal of residential schools?
To make Indigenous kids forget their culture and act like Europeans
Who helped Bev feel brave enough to share her story?
Her grandma and family encouraged her.
Why was family of importantance in this book?
Family helps people heal and stay strong.
What did they do to kids hair when they got caught?
It was cut short to take away their identity.
What does Number One mean in the title?
Bev’s assigned number at school.
What would happen if kids spoke their native language at school?
They got punished or beaten, their mouths washed out with soap, or embarrassed
What personal struggles did Bev deal with after her stay in residential schools?
Depression, self-doubt, trouble trusting people, and alcohol problems.
How did colonialism change the identity of indigenous people?
It made many people feel lost, ashamed, and disconnected from their culture.
What chores did kids do?
Cleaning, cooking, and farm work.
What did Bev love doing when she was young?
Being outside and learning from elders.
How did residential schools negatively affect Indigenous communities?
They lost their culture, had family problems, and struggled with mental health.
What leadership role did Bev ended up occupying in her community?
She was Chief of her Nation.
What does the title of the book mean?
Students weren’t treated like real people they were just numbers.
Describe the food at residential school
Gross, boring, and not enough.
How did some kids fight back the residential schools?
They spoke their language in secret, ran away, or kept their culture hidden.
What was the purpose of the Catholic Church in residential schools?
They ran many schools and allowed abuse. Some leaders have apologized, but people want more action.
How did Bev’s education help her battle for Indigenous rights?
She studied law and worked to protect land, culture, and help survivors.
How does the book show that residential schools negatively affected indeginous kids?
It tells real stories of abuse, suffering, and trauma that prove otherwise.
Did the kids have contact with their families and if yes how?
They couldn’t much, letters were checked and visits were rare.
What does Bev want to tell in her books?
The truth about residential schools and how to help Indigenous people heal.