Sadena Besharati/ Staff Reporter
The period of residential schools has a shadowy past in Canadian history. Indigenous children suffered greatly at the hands of these institutions, which were supervised by the government and religions. The main goal was assimilation, which aimed to eradicate Indigenous culture and compel adherence to Euro-Canadian standards. Nevertheless, brutality and indifference were the norm in these schools. Children were often deprived of their identities as they suffered from emotional and physical abuse.
“The residential school system is a dark chapter in Canada’s history. It is a part of our shared history that we must face, acknowledge, and learn from.” – Justin Trudeau
The book “Five Little Indians” by Michelle Good illuminates this traumatic period. Readers are forced to face the brutal reality of residential schools through the experiences of characters like Kenny, Lucy, Clara, Howie, and Maisie. The protagonists’ recollections of these schools follow them everywhere they go, much like lingering shadows. Good’s moving narrative embodies the resilience and suffering of Indigenous peoples.
As society reckon with this dark period in Canadian history, it’s crucial to acknowledge the deep wounds inflicted upon Indigenous communities. Reconciliation needs more than just acknowledgment; it demands action. Only by facing the past with honesty and commitment can we prepare the way for a future where the resilience and culture of Indigenous peoples are honored and respected.
In residential schools, children were taken from their families forcefully. They lost their language, culture, and who they were. Clara from Good’s book says, “They wanted to make the Indian child not an Indian.” This means they wanted the kids to be like everyone else but not like Indigenous people. For Kenny another character of Good’s book, the things at the school hurt him more than just physically. The mean things done to him stayed with him both mentally and emotionally.
“Residential schools were not just about education; they were about the forced assimilation and cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples.” – Romeo Saganash
Behind closed doors, some people hurt the kids in many ways. These were people who were supposed to care for them. The pain from this hurt lasts a long time and makes life difficult for many Indigenousness. Kenny says, “Sometimes the ones who hurt you most are the ones who should love you.”
“Residential schools were a systemic attempt to strip Indigenous children of their heritage, language, and dignity.” – Assembly of First Nations
The impact of residential schools goes beyond their walls. It touches every part of Indigenous lives. It leads to trauma across generations. It creates unfair systems. It cuts cultural ties. As Canada looks at its colonial past, the truth of residential schools shows the hard work still needed for healing and making things right.
Students at Gleneagle are familiar with this history. Gleneagle, which is situated on Kwikwetlem First Nation ancestral territory, is a monument to the resilience of Indigenous communities. we must commit to the path of reconciliation as we confront the truths of our shared past.
This entails fostering togetherness, empathy, and understanding within our community. Together, we can build a future that values and respects the resiliency of Indigenous peoples. While we acknowledge the painful realities of the past, we also need to envision a time in the future when everyone is respected and understood.
“The residential schools were a systemic attempt to erase Indigenous cultures and languages. We must confront this painful legacy and work towards reconciliation.” – Mary Simon
The bravery and strength of those who attended these institutions strike us deeply when we hear their experiences. Knowing the actual past, society can strive towards a future where fairness is for everyone. These individuals refused to let others silence their voices. They proudly reclaimed their identity.
“The scars left by residential schools run deep, but they serve as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging the truth and working towards reconciliation.” – Indigenous Elders
This is a fresh start. To make things better between all groups, we need to agree. Understanding each other should be our aim. Once we’ve removed the harmful effects of the past schools, we can start anew. We can discover the truth, mend wounds, and foster peace among all.
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Canadian Indian residential school system
Five Little Indians, and the question that guides Good’s writing