Residential Schools
What was the main purpose of residential schools?
To assimilate Indigenous children into white Canadian culture.
What happened when Bev first arrived at school?
Her hair was cut and her clothes were taken.
Who raised Bev before she went to residential school?
Her grandparents.
What language did Bev speak before going to school?
Shuswap (Secwepemc).
What emotion is repeated throughout the book?
Sadness.
What did students wear instead of their traditional clothing?
uniforms
What did students have to do every morning?
Say prayers and follow strict routines.
How did the school affect Bev’s relationship with her family?
It created distance and emotional pain.
What happened if children spoke their language at school?
They were punished.
What theme is shown by Bev’s return to her culture?
Healing
Were children allowed to speak their own languages?
no
How did Bev feel during her time at the school?
Scared, lonely, and sad.
What was the importance of grandparents in Bev’s life?
They passed on cultural knowledge and love.
Why is language important to culture?
It carries stories, traditions, and identity.
What did Bev want people to understand?
The truth about residential schools
How were children treated if they broke the rules?
They were punished harshly.
What did the school do about health and sickness?
Often ignored it or blamed the students
What happened to family connections in residential schools?
They were broken or weakened.
What cultural practices were children forced to stop?
Dancing, ceremonies, and traditional beliefs.
What kind of strength does Bev show in the book?
Emotional and cultural strength.
What did residential schools take away from children?
Their culture, identity, and family connection.
What major issue does the book help uncover?
The abuse and trauma caused by the residential school system
How did the school try to change Bev’s identity?
By making her forget her language, culture, and traditions.
How did Bev reconnect with her culture later in life?
By learning more about her traditions and teaching others.
What is one main message of the book?
We must remember and learn from the past to create a better future.