On this blog, we have written a number of articles on residential schools, and the impacts and outcomes of those schools on First Nations individuals, families and communities. In honour and support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s closing events May 31 – June 3, 2015, we have compiled a few of those articles that cover the schools and reconciliation.
Indian residential schools were designed to “take the Indian out of the child”. Over 150,000 children were taken from their families and placed in these schools. It is estimated over 6,000 died while attending the schools. This is a very significant and dark aspect of Canada’s history yet so many non-First Nation Canadians remain unaware of this national tragedy. Residential schools are not ancient history – the last one closed in 1996.
It is not until every Canadian gains a deep understanding of the ongoing impacts of the residential school system that we will cease to hear “why don’t they just get over it”.
Reconciliation is not tangible and it doesn’t have an end date – it is a force that everyone needs to get behind and support. In the words of my father, "we are all in this together."
Indian Residential Schools: Merry Christmas Versus Happy Holidays
What Is the Root Cause of Indigenous Education Issues
Indigenous Alcohol Intolerance
Aboriginal Lateral Violence in the Workplace
Open Letter to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Chief Dr. Robert Joseph Q & A on Reconciliation and Forgiveness
Shelagh Rogers Her Journey from Her Head to Her Heart as an Hon. Witness
Reading for Reconciliation: 6 Books on Residential Schools
10 Books About Residential Schools for Young People
