The Lasting Impact of Native American Residential Schools

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The history of Native American residential schools in the United States and Canada is a dark and painful one. From the late 19th century to the 1970s, Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and sent to boarding schools, where they were subjected to cultural assimilation and physical and emotional abuse. The impact of these schools has been long-lasting and far-reaching, affecting not only the students but also their families and communities for generations to come.

The Indian boarding school system was established in the United States in the late 1800s with the goal of assimilating Native American children into American culture. The schools were run by the federal government and Christian organizations, and students were forbidden from speaking their native languages or practicing their cultural traditions. The schools were often underfunded, and students were subjected to harsh conditions and punishment. Many students suffered physical and sexual abuse, and many died from disease, malnutrition, or neglect.

The residential school system in Canada followed a similar pattern. Beginning in the 1870s, Indigenous children were taken from their families and sent to church-run boarding schools, where they were punished for speaking their native languages or practicing their cultural traditions. The schools were often located far from the students’ communities, making it difficult for families to visit. Students suffered from neglect, abuse, and disease, and many died while in the schools.

The impact of the residential school system has been devastating for Indigenous communities. The forced removal of children from their families and communities led to a breakdown of cultural traditions and loss of language. Many students were traumatized by the abuse they suffered in the schools, and their experiences had a ripple effect on their families and communities. For many, the trauma of the residential school experience has been passed down through generations, affecting their mental and physical health, relationships, and sense of identity.

In recent years, both the United States and Canada have taken steps to acknowledge and address the legacy of residential schools. In the United States, the Indian Child Welfare Act was passed in 1978 to protect Native American children from being removed from their families and communities. In 2009, President Obama signed the Native American Apology Resolution, acknowledging the government’s role in the mistreatment of Native Americans throughout history.

In Canada, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established in 2008 to investigate the residential school system and its impact on Indigenous communities. The Commission held hearings across the country, gathering testimony from survivors and their families. In 2015, the Commission released its final report, which included 94 calls to action, urging the government and non-Indigenous Canadians to take steps to address the legacy of residential schools and work towards reconciliation.

The impact of the residential school system on Indigenous communities is a painful and ongoing legacy. However, acknowledging and addressing this history is an important step towards healing and reconciliation. By learning about this history and supporting Indigenous-led efforts to address the legacy of residential schools, we can work towards a more just and equitable future for all.

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