Residential Schools in Canada

Residential schools in Canada were created by Christian churches and the Canadian government as an attempt to both educate and convert Indigenous youth and to assimilate them into Canadian society. The schools disrupted lives and communities, causing long-term problems among Indigenous peoples. The last residential school closed in 1996.

Why Were Residential Schools created in Canada?

Residential schools were government-sponsored religious schools. They were established to assimilate Indigenous children into the dominant culture in Canada. Although the first residential facilities were established in New France.

In addition, the term usually refers to schools established after 1880. They were created by Christian churches and the Canadian government as an attempt to both educate and convert Indigenous youth. Besides, to assimilate them into Canadian society. Moreover, the schools disrupted lives and communities. They caused long-term problems among Indigenous peoples. The last residential school closed in 1996.

Some facts about residential schools

• 150,000 children nearly attended residential schools.
  
• Over 130 residential schools operated between 1831 and 1996 in total.
  
• In 1931, there were 80 residential schools operating.
  
• The Mohawk Institute in Ontario accepted its first boarding students in 1831.
  
• The Gordon Residential School in Saskatchewan which closed in 1996, was the last federally funded residential school in Canada.

Life at Residential Schools

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Ten of the residential schools in Canada are:

1. Assumption (Hay Lakes) Indian Residential School
   
2. Blue Quill’s Indian Residential School
   
3. Hospice of St. Joseph St. Paul’s Boarding School
   
4. Holy Angels Indian Residential School
   
5. Crowfoot Indian Residential School
   
6. St. Joseph’s Industrial School
   
7. High River Industrial School
   
8. Edmonton Residential School
   
9. Red Deer Industrial School
   
10. Ermineskin Indian Residential School Hobbema

For more information, watch the following video taken from the Canadian Encyclopedia.

Read also: Reasons Behind Imiigration to Canada