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First Residential School Opened
The Mohawk Institute is the first Residential School to be opened in Canada. It was/is located in Brantford. The school opened in 1831 and only accepted boys. In 1834 it began accepting girls. Citation for photo:
BiblioArchives. (2014, October 31. Mohawk Institute, Brantford, Ontario (Online Image) Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/15054127924 -
Expanding Residential Schools
Until now, Residential Schools could only be found in New France and Upper Canada. In 1883 however, Sir. John A. Macdonald allowed for new schools to be opened up out West. Citation for photo:
BiblioArchives. (2011, November 29). Indian Residential School students and staff, Regina, Saskatchewan, 1908 (Online Image). Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/14185269124 -
Residential Schools Mandatory
Duncan Campbell Scott, the Deputy Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, made Residential Schools mandatory. This means that all "Indian" children aged 7-16 had to attend Residential Schools as per the Government of Canada. Citation for photo:
BiblioArchives. (2010, June 3). Interior of classroom, Indian Industrial School, Brandon, Manitoba, 1946 (Online Image). Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/13998648398 -
The "Sixties Scoop"
As Residential Schools began closing, rather than placing children back with their families, the Canadian government placed these children in foster homes. These families were no Indigenous and some of them were moved outside of Canada. -
Last Residential School Closes
The last Residential School closed in 1996 in Punnichy, Saskatchewan. It was named Gordon Residential School. -
Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
This agreement provided compensation for those who were subjected to Residential Schools. Survivors received a monetary settlement based on how many years they were in the schools. -
Apology
Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered a public, formal apology to all Natives on behalf of the entire Canadian Government. This was the first time that the government recognized the damages done by Residential Schools. Citation for photo:
World Economic Forum. (2010, January 28). Stephen Harper- World Economic Forum Annual Meeting Davos 2010 (Online Image) Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/worldeconomicforum/4313730148 -
Future Reconciliation
Have we done enough? What else can we do?
