Canada’s Indian residential school system

Canada’s Indian residential school system was a government and church-led effort from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries to assimilate Indigenous children by removing them from their families and communities. Schools aimed to erase Indigenous languages, cultures, and identities, often through forced attendance, neglect, and abuse. Children endured harsh discipline and poor living conditions while being pressured to adopt Euro-Canadian ways. The legacy includes profound cultural loss, intergenerational trauma, and reconciliation challenges. Recognizing this history is essential to understanding ongoing issues faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada.