Canadian Studies · Grade 10 · Residential Schools & Indigenous Rights · Term 1

Intergenerational Trauma & Legacy

Students examine how the trauma of residential schools has been passed down through generations, affecting Indigenous communities in areas such as health, education, and family life.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• ON: Canada since 1982 - Grade 10
• ON: Identity, Citizenship, and Heritage - Grade 10

About This Topic

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established to document the history and lasting impact of the residential school system. This topic covers the TRC's six-year journey, during which it heard from over 6,500 witnesses. Students examine the TRC's final report, which concluded that the system amounted to 'cultural genocide,' and its 94 Calls to Action. These calls provide a roadmap for redressing the legacy of residential schools and advancing the process of reconciliation in Canada.

Students evaluate the progress made on these calls in areas such as child welfare, education, health, and justice. This is a critical part of the Ontario curriculum, as it asks students to consider their own responsibilities as citizens. This topic comes alive through collaborative investigations into the current status of the Calls to Action. Students grasp the ongoing nature of reconciliation faster through structured debate and by analyzing which calls have been fulfilled and which remain unaddressed.

Key Questions

1. Explain the concept of intergenerational trauma in the context of residential schools.
2. Analyze how the effects of residential schools continue to manifest in contemporary Indigenous communities.
3. Predict the long-term societal impacts if intergenerational trauma is not addressed.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the concept of intergenerational trauma as a consequence of historical injustices, specifically the residential school system in Canada.
• Analyze the ongoing impacts of residential schools on Indigenous communities' health, education, and family structures.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current initiatives aimed at addressing intergenerational trauma and promoting reconciliation.
• Predict potential long-term societal consequences if intergenerational trauma stemming from residential schools remains unaddressed.

Before You Start

History of Indigenous Peoples in Canada

Why: Students need foundational knowledge of Indigenous cultures, histories, and pre-colonial societies to understand the impact of colonization and assimilation policies.

Canadian Government and Civics

Why: Understanding the roles of government and policy-making is essential for analyzing the creation of the residential school system and the Calls to Action.

Key Vocabulary

Intergenerational Trauma	The transmission of historical trauma and its emotional and psychological effects from one generation to the next. This can manifest in various social and health issues within affected communities.
Residential School System	A network of boarding schools for Indigenous children in Canada, established by the government and religious authorities. The system aimed to assimilate Indigenous peoples by removing them from their families and cultures.
Cultural Genocide	The deliberate destruction of the cultural heritage of a group of people, often through forced assimilation, suppression of language, and disruption of traditions. This term was used by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to describe the residential school system.
Reconciliation	The process of establishing or restoring friendly relations between groups. In the Canadian context, it refers to addressing the ongoing legacy of residential schools and working towards a more equitable relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Reconciliation is just about saying 'sorry.'

What to Teach Instead

Reconciliation requires concrete actions to change laws, policies, and social attitudes. Using a 'Words vs. Actions' chart to analyze the Calls to Action helps students see that an apology is only the beginning of a much longer process of systemic change.

Common Misconception

The TRC was a court that could punish people.

What to Teach Instead

The TRC was not a criminal trial; its mandate was to uncover the truth and create a historical record. Peer discussion about the difference between 'truth-seeking' and 'prosecution' helps students understand why the TRC focused on survivor testimony rather than legal punishment.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The 94 Calls to Action

Divide the class into small groups, each assigned a category of the Calls to Action (e.g., Education, Justice, Health). Students use online trackers to determine the current status of their assigned calls and present their findings to the class.

50 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate: The Role of Education in Reconciliation

Students debate the effectiveness of Call to Action #62, which calls for mandatory curriculum on residential schools. They discuss whether education alone is enough to achieve reconciliation or if it must be paired with economic and legal changes.

45 min·Whole Class

Think-Pair-Share: What Does Reconciliation Mean to You?

After reading the TRC's definition of reconciliation, students reflect individually on what it looks like in their own lives or school. They share their ideas with a partner and then contribute to a class 'reconciliation wall' of actionable ideas.

25 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Social workers and mental health professionals in Indigenous communities across Canada work directly with individuals and families experiencing the effects of intergenerational trauma, developing culturally relevant support programs.
• Indigenous leaders and organizations, such as the Assembly of First Nations, advocate for policy changes and resource allocation to address the systemic inequities that perpetuate the legacy of residential schools.
• Researchers at institutions like the University of Manitoba's Centre for Human Rights Research study the long-term health and social outcomes of residential school survivors and their descendants to inform policy and healing initiatives.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class discussion using the prompt: 'How can understanding intergenerational trauma help us analyze the current challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Canada? Provide at least two specific examples.' Encourage students to connect historical events to contemporary issues.

Quick Check

Present students with three short case studies, each describing a different contemporary issue in an Indigenous community (e.g., a health disparity, an educational challenge, a family dynamic). Ask students to identify which aspects of the case study could be linked to intergenerational trauma and explain their reasoning in 2-3 sentences.

Exit Ticket

Ask students to write one sentence defining intergenerational trauma in their own words and one sentence predicting a positive societal change that could occur if this trauma is effectively addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)?

The TRC was a commission established as part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Its goal was to document the history and legacy of the schools by gathering testimony from survivors, their families, and others affected by the system.

What are the 94 Calls to Action?

These are specific recommendations made by the TRC to all levels of government and Canadian society. They aim to address the harms caused by residential schools and to move toward a more equitable relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

How much progress has been made on the Calls to Action?

Progress has been slow and uneven. While some calls related to education and symbols have been addressed, many others concerning child welfare, health, and justice require significant systemic change and remain unfulfilled or only partially addressed.

How can active learning help students understand the TRC and its impact?

Active learning strategies, such as investigating the status of the Calls to Action, turn reconciliation from an abstract concept into a measurable goal. When students research the progress themselves, they become more engaged with the issues and develop a sense of civic responsibility. This hands-on approach helps them understand that reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires active participation from all Canadians.