Residential schools in Canada were a system of mandatory boarding schools established in the 19th and 20th centuries, primarily for Indigenous children. Their mandate was rooted in the policy of assimilation, aiming to integrate Indigenous peoples into Euro-Canadian society. Here’s an overview of why and how these schools were mandated:
Why Were Residential Schools Mandated?
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Assimilation Policy: The Canadian government and church organizations believed that Indigenous cultures were inferior and that Indigenous peoples should adopt European ways of life. The intention was to eradicate Indigenous languages, traditions, and identities in favor of Western values.
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Cultural Erasure: There was a widespread belief among settler colonialists that the Indigenous way of life was a barrier to progress and development. The residential school system was seen as a means to "civilize" Indigenous populations.
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Land and Resources: By assimilating Indigenous peoples and weakening their ties to traditional lands and practices, the government aimed to facilitate the acquisition and settlement of Indigenous lands for Euro-Canadian use.
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Legal Framework: The Indian Act of 1876 provided a foundation for the establishment of residential schools, allowing the government to regulate the lives of Indigenous peoples. The Act aimed to control the education, land, and governance of Indigenous communities.
How Were Residential Schools Mandated?
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Government Policy: The federal government, collaborating with Christian churches (especially Catholic, Anglican, and Methodist organizations), formally established and funded residential schools across Canada through policies and regulations intended for Indigenous education.
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Legislation: Legislation such as the Indian Act and various amendments established compulsory education for Indigenous children, directing them to residential schools rather than local or community schools.
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Church Involvement: Many residential schools were run by religious organizations, which played a key role in implementing the education policies of the government. They believed they were doing God's work by saving the souls of Indigenous youth, often employing a strict and punitive approach to discipline.
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Mandatory Attendance: Attendance at these schools was not voluntary. Indigenous children were often forcibly removed from their families and communities. The government mandated the schools, enforcing attendance through various means, including legal penalties for parents who resisted.
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Isolation and Segregation: Residential schools were often located away from Indigenous communities, ensuring that children would be isolated from their families and cultures. This was intended to prevent cultural transmission and reinforce the assimilation agenda.
Conclusion
The residential school system was a manifestation of colonial attitudes and policies that sought to dismantle Indigenous cultures and impose European social norms. The long-term impacts of these policies have had devastating effects on Indigenous communities, including intergenerational trauma, loss of language and culture, and continued socio-economic challenges. The legacy of these schools is a significant aspect of Canadian history that continues to shape the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state.
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