The lasting effects of residential schools on Indigenous communities in Canada are serious and complex.
Deeply Felt Effects: Many survivors of residential schools face ongoing trauma that gets passed down to future generations. This can lead to mental health struggles, issues with substance abuse, and problems within families. Survivors often feel a deep sense of shame and experience a loss of identity, which makes them feel disconnected from their culture and language.
Scope of Impact: The negative effects don’t just affect individual survivors; they impact entire communities. As traditional cultural practices and languages were suppressed, many Indigenous people have experienced a broader loss of their identity. This has caused challenges in social connections, community structures, and passing down culture to younger generations.
Long-Term Effects: The consequences of residential schools continue to be felt by multiple generations. They can affect relationships and attitudes within Indigenous communities, as well as how Indigenous people interact with wider Canadian society. The legacy of these schools is still present today, as Indigenous communities work towards recognition, reconciliation, and healing.
In Kaniehtiio Horn's discussion, she highlights how the personal and collective experiences of Indigenous children reveal the deep trauma caused by residential schools. This emphasizes the urgent need for society to recognize this history and support healing efforts within Indigenous communities.