Daily Fact #4
Almost half of non-Aboriginal Canadians living in cities have not heard or read anything about Indian residential schools?
Aboriginal Experiences in Residential Schools
Beginning in the late 1800s, Aboriginal children were removed from their homes and placed in residential schools run by the Canadian government and local churches. The schools attempted
to assimilate and “civilize” the Aboriginal children. Instances of abuse were widespread, and in overcrowded schools, tuberculosis was often deadly. Of the approximately 150,000 children who attended residential schools, at least 3,000 died.
The schools had a devastating effect on many Aboriginal families, which is still felt today. Two-thirds of urban Aboriginal Peoples say they have been affected by the residential schools, either personally or through a family member. In 2008 the Canadian government offered an apology, twelve years after the last residential school closed in 1996. Today, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada works to establish truth, healing and reconciliation in the aftermath of the residential schools.
Wowie zowie I didn't know that yesterday and how long do these come in?
ReplyDeleteI wonder why people thought they would have to barge in and "help" them teach their people.We came to their land and we should have respected them. I found on: http://tinyurl.com/q2388ja that our government thought that it was the peoples "best chance" to learn Canadian customs and adopt Christianity.I also learned they hired agents to find every child they could send to the church based,federally run schools.
ReplyDeleteThe Canadian Government apologised to a residential school.
ReplyDelete