What is residential school syndrome?

What is residential school syndrome?

Despite being in “school” many children received a substandard education. Those internalized emotions manifest as depression, anxiety, addiction, suicidal inclinations, rage, and mental illnesses – this is residential school syndrome.

How many residential school survivors are alive?

80,000 residential school survivors

What was the government’s role in residential schools?

Residential schools were federally run, under the Department of Indian Affairs. Attendance was mandatory for children in the many communities that didn’t have day schools. Agents were employed by the government to ensure all native children attended school.

Why did Canada stop residential schools?

In 1969, the system was taken over by the Department of Indian Affairs, ending church involvement. The government decided to phase out the schools, but this met with resistance from the Catholic Church, which felt that segregated education was the best approach for Indigenous children.

What were the rules in residential schools?

The purpose of the residential schools was to eliminate all aspects of Aboriginal culture. Students had their hair cut short, they were dressed in uniforms, and their days were strictly regimented by timetables. Boys and girls were kept separate, and even siblings rarely interacted, further weakening family ties.

Why is it important to learn about residential schools?

In addition to fostering healing, it is important to teach about the history of residential schools in order to fully understand the current state of Aboriginal concerns within Canada. By educating citizens on this history it allows for the exposure of the tragic events that occurred within the schools.

Is Native American history taught in schools?

Most students across the United States don’t get comprehensive, thoughtful or even accurate education in Native American history and culture. A 2015 study by researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that 87 percent of content taught about Native Americans includes only pre-1900 context.

Are there any residential schools still standing?

The last residential school operated by the Canadian government, Gordon Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan, was closed in 1996. About 150,000 children are believed to have attended a residential school over the course of the system’s existence.

How did the government respond to residential schools?

On May 30, the Canadian government signed an agreement with the Assembly of First Nations pledging to pay a lump sum in compensation for former students of Indian residential schools.

Who has apologized for residential schools?

On June 11, 2008, on behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper stood in the House of Commons to deliver an apology to students of Indian residential schools, their families, and communities.

What did residential schools do to First Nations?

Most focused on the impacts of residential schooling among First Nations, but some included Métis and Inuit. Physical health outcomes linked to residential schooling included poorer general and self-rated health, increased rates of chronic and infectious diseases.