History
What country created the residential school system?
Canada (upper Canada)
What did the government claim was the goal of residential schools?
The goverment said that the goal of residential schools was to educate and ¨civilize¨ Indigenous children so they could integrate into Canadian society.
What language were children forced to speak?
English ( some French)
What often happened to children who ran away from residential schools?
Children who ran away were often caught, punished, or forced to return to the school.
When did the last residential school close?
closed in 1996
What groups of people were most affected by residential schools?
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis
Why did residential schools try to stop children from practicing their traditions and speaking their language?
They tride to erase Indigenous identities and force them to adopt European culture and values.
What happened to children who spoke their native language?
Children who spoke their native language were punished by being yelled at beaten or given extra chores.
What did the Truth and Reconciliation Commission find about unmarked graves?
The Commission found many Indigenous children died and were buried in unmarked graves at residential schools.
What was the purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canada?
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission listened to survivors and helped people heal.
When did the residential school system officially began in Canada?
1831 (1800s)
How did residential schools try to change Indigenous children?
By cutting their hair, giving them new names, banning their languages and traditions, and teaching them other religion and culture.
How were children treated in terms of food, clothing, and shelter?
Children were often given poor food, worn out clothing, and unsafe housing.
How many children are estimated to have died in residential schools?
6,000 Indigenous children died in residential schools.
What is Orange Shirt Day, and why is it important?
Orange Shirt Day honors Indigenous kids affected by residential schools and helps people learn and heal.
Which churches were involved in running the schools?
Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches
Why did the government and churches want to erase Indigenous cultures?
The government and churches erased Indigenous cultures to control land and force assimilation.
What types of abuse were common in residential schools?
Physical, emotional and sexual abuse were common in residential schools.
What was one major protest or action taken by survivors from their communities?
in 2015 survivors shared their stories to raise awareness and demand justice.
What role did the Truth and Reconciliation Commission play?
The Commission gathered survivors’ stories and helped Canada heal.
What was the government’s main reason for creating residential schools?
To erase Indigenous cultures by forcing children to adopt European Canadian ways.
What is cultural genocide, and how does it relate to residential schools?
Cultural genocide is destroying a group’s culture, and residential schools did this to Indigenous peoples.
Why were many children unable to go home or see their families?
Many children couldn’t go home because schools were far away and families weren’t allowed to visit often.
What long term effects have residential schools had on Indigenous communities?
caused trauma, loss of culture, broken families, and ongoing social problems in Indigenous communities.
What actions has the Canadian government taken to repair the damage caused?
Canada has paid survivors, collected their stories, supported healing, and created a national day to remember.