History of Residential Schools
What were residential schools?
Residential schools were government-sponsored schools run by churches.
Who was responsible for residential schools and their students?
The schools were run by churches, and sponsored by the government.
When was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) established?
It was established in 2008
What is the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement?
It is a landmark class-action settlement between the Canadian government, former students, and Indigenous organizations to address the harms of the residential school system.
Where is the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation located?
It is located at the University Of Manitoba.
How many children attended residential schools in Canada?
over 150,000
what was the purpose of residential schools?
It was intended to strip Indigenous children from their cultures, and replace them with Euro-Canadian values
How long did the TRC gather testimonies across Canada?
from 2008 to 2015; 7 years
How much money was included in the settlement package?
$2 billion
Why is the TRC important to Canadians today?
The TRC is important because it helps Canadians understand the legacy of residential schools and supports healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
When did the last residential school close?
1996
Which groups of churches were involved in running the schools?
Anglican, Catholic, United, and Presbyterian churches.
What was the main purpose of the TRC?
Its mandate was to document the truth of Survivors, families, communities and anyone personally affected by the residential school experience
About how many survivors were eligible for compensation?
Approximately 87,000 people were eligible for compensation
What is the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation?
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is the permanent home for all statements, documents and other materials gathered by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
When was the first residential school established?
1831
What happened to children who spoke their Indigenous language in the schools?
The children were punished severely for speaking their Indigenous languages.
What is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)?
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), informed Canadians about the history and impacts of residential schools and guided reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
What role did the Settlement Agreement play in creating the TRC?
The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA), directly mandated the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
How does the NCTR help Canadians learn about the past?
The NCTR helps Canadians learn about the past by preserving residential school records and making them accessible for survivors, educators, researchers, and the public.
Who was affected by residential schools?
Residential schools affected First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, along with their families and communities.
What types of abuse were common in the schools?
Physical, Sexual, and Psychological abuse
What was included in the TRC’s final report?
a comprehensive history of the Indigenous residential school system and its devastating legacy, the concept of cultural genocide, and 94 Calls to Action.
Why was the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) considered historic in Canada?
The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) was historic because it was the largest class action settlement in Canadian history.
Why is it important for Canadians today to understand and remember the history of residential schools?
Understanding and remembering residential schools is important for Canadians to acknowledge past harms, promote reconciliation, and build respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples.