Truth and Reconciliation: By Dylan and Kate

Why did children have to go to residential schools?

As early as 1831, the government decided to assimilate Indigenous people into Canadian society. That means they wanted to get rid of Indigenous kids’ culture and replace it with Western culture. They did this by taking 150 000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children away from their families and homes and sending them to one of 139 residential schools across Canada. 

Why did families let their children go?

They really didn’t have a choice. They were forced to give their children up or the children were just taken away. If parents didn’t give up their kids, they risked fines or going to jail.

What happened at residential schools?

At residential school, Indigenous children had to change their hair, clothes, language and everything about themselves. They felt alone, and like they didn’t even matter. They were even treated like they didn’t matter at all. 

Are there still residential schools?

The last residential school was in Saskatchewan and closed in 1996. But even though the residential schools are no longer in operation, the effects will be felt forever. Residential schools scarred them for life. It also damaged their families and their communities.

How has Canada tried to fix this mistake?

In 2008, the Prime Minister of Canada offered a formal apology to the children who went to residential schools. After that, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was formed. They listened as thousands of residential school survivors shared their stories, and helped create a plan for reconciliation with 94 Calls to Action. In June 2021, the Government of Canada made September 30 (which had been observed as Orange Shirt Day since 2013) a federal statutory day known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

How can we move forward TOGETHER from the terrible history of the residential schools?

We can all work together to help make things right! We need to acknowledge the sad truth so Indigenous people can start to heal. We can help support Indigenous peoples’ calls for justice in our communities. And we can remember what happened to help make sure this never happens again.