First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 9 · Historical Contexts and Colonial Impacts · 2.º Período

The Residential School System

Investigating the history, experiences, and intergenerational trauma caused by the Indian Residential School system.

TL;DR:The Indian Residential School system was a state-sponsored, church-run program designed to 'kill the Indian in the child.' For over a century, more than 150,000 Indigenous children were removed from their families to attend these schools, where many faced abuse and the systematic erasure of their culture. This topic is a critical part of the Ontario curriculum, requiring a sensitive and thorough investigation of the schools' goals, the experiences of survivors, and the lasting intergenerational trauma.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• NAC1O B3.1
• NAC1O B3.2

About This Topic

The Indian Residential School system was a state-sponsored, church-run program designed to 'kill the Indian in the child.' For over a century, more than 150,000 Indigenous children were removed from their families to attend these schools, where many faced abuse and the systematic erasure of their culture. This topic is a critical part of the Ontario curriculum, requiring a sensitive and thorough investigation of the schools' goals, the experiences of survivors, and the lasting intergenerational trauma.

Students will examine the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's findings to understand how this system was a form of cultural genocide. It is vital to approach this topic with care, focusing on survivor resilience as much as the tragedy itself. This topic benefits from a structured 'Circle Talk' or reflective discussion format, providing a safe space for students to process the emotional weight of this history while developing empathy and understanding.

Key Questions

1. What were the goals of the residential school system?
2. How did these schools impact Indigenous children and families?
3. What is intergenerational trauma?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Residential schools were just 'bad schools' with strict teachers.

What to Teach Instead

They were part of a deliberate government policy of cultural genocide intended to eliminate Indigenous cultures. Using the TRC's definition of cultural genocide helps students understand the systemic nature of the schools beyond individual 'bad' actors.

Common Misconception

The impact of residential schools ended when the last school closed.

What to Teach Instead

The schools created intergenerational trauma, affecting the children and grandchildren of survivors. Peer discussions about the 'Sixties Scoop' and modern foster care rates help students see the continuity of these colonial impacts.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

The TRC Reports

In small groups, students examine excerpts from the TRC's 'Principles of Reconciliation' and survivor testimonies. They identify the specific ways the schools attempted to sever the link between children and their culture, then present a summary of the 'resilience' shown by survivors in reclaiming their identities.

60 min·Small Groups

Save the Last Word

Reflective Circle: The Meaning of 'Home'

Using a talking circle format, students discuss the impact of being removed from one's home and family at a young age. This activity focuses on building empathy and understanding the foundational importance of family and community in Indigenous cultures.

40 min·Whole Class

Gallery Walk

The Witness Blanket

Students view images of 'The Witness Blanket' (a large-scale art installation made of items from residential schools). They use a guided worksheet to reflect on how physical objects can hold the 'truth' of history and why preserving these stories is necessary for reconciliation.

45 min·Individual

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the last residential school close in Canada?

The last federally funded residential school, Gordon's Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan, closed in 1996. This surprises many students as it highlights how recent this history is, making it a contemporary issue rather than a distant historical event.

What is intergenerational trauma?

Intergenerational trauma occurs when the effects of a traumatic experience (like the abuse in residential schools) are passed down to subsequent generations. This can manifest as struggles with mental health, loss of language, or difficulty with parenting, as survivors were never given the chance to be parented themselves in a loving environment.

What was the purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)?

The TRC was established to document the history and lasting impacts of the residential school system. It provided a platform for survivors to share their stories and created 94 'Calls to Action' to help Canada move toward reconciliation. It emphasizes that 'truth' must come before 'reconciliation.'

How can active learning help students handle sensitive topics like residential schools?

Active learning strategies like reflective circles or guided gallery walks allow students to process difficult information at their own pace. Instead of a lecture that might feel overwhelming, these methods encourage students to support one another, ask questions in a safe environment, and focus on the resilience of survivors, which helps prevent 'compassion fatigue' and fosters genuine empathy.