Canadian Indian residential schools

Canadian Indian residential schools were government-funded institutions operated primarily by Christian churches from the 1870s to the late 20th century. They aimed to assimilate Indigenous children—First Nations, Métis, and Inuit—by removing them from their families, cultures, and languages. Many children faced harsh discipline, neglect, and abuse, leading to profound trauma. The schools' legacy includes cultural erasure, intergenerational harm, and ongoing efforts for reconciliation. They are a deeply painful chapter in Canada’s history, highlighting the impact of policies intended to suppress Indigenous identities and traditions.