What were some of the lasting consequences of the residential schools? (consider the podcast and the timeline)

Question

What are consequences?: » How deeply felt or profound were the effects? » How many people or areas of life were affected? » How long lasting were the effects?
In "Telling Our Twisted Histories," Kaniehtiio Horn speaks about the experiences of Indigenous children in residential schools.. short answer

Answer 1

The lasting consequences of residential schools on Indigenous communities in Canada are profound and far-reaching.

1. Deeply Felt Effects: Survivors of residential schools often experience intergenerational trauma, leading to mental health issues, substance abuse, and familial disruptions. The psychological impact includes feelings of shame, identity loss, and disconnection from culture and language.

2. Scope of Impact: The effects extend beyond individual survivors to entire communities, as the suppression of cultural practices and languages has contributed to a broader loss of Indigenous identity. This has implications for social cohesion, community structures, and cultural transmission.

3. Longevity of Effects: The repercussions of residential schools perpetuate multiple generations, affecting attitudes and relationships within Indigenous communities and between Indigenous peoples and broader Canadian society. The legacy of these institutions is evident in ongoing struggles for recognition, reconciliation, and healing, indicating that the effects are long-lasting and continue to influence contemporary Indigenous issues.

In Kaniehtiio Horn's discussion, the personal and collective experiences of Indigenous children illustrate how deeply the trauma from residential schools is embedded in their histories and identities, highlighting the urgent need for recognition and healing.