Legacy of Indian residential schools

The legacy of Indian residential schools in Canada involves the lasting impacts of a system that aimed to assimilate Indigenous children, often through forced removal from their families and suppression of their cultures. This history resulted in intergenerational trauma, loss of language, cultural disconnection, and damaged community relationships. Many survivors experienced emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The acknowledgment of this legacy has led to calls for reconciliation, truth-telling, and efforts to heal and preserve Indigenous cultures and rights. It’s a somber reminder of the importance of respecting Indigenous identity and sovereignty.