What is the Indian residential school system?
The residential school system was based on the assumption that Aboriginal Peoples should be Christians and follow the British way of life. The system came into being in the 19th century and was mainly run by the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church of Canada and the United Church of Canada.
Children were separated from their families and their ties to their cultural roots severed. They were punished if they spoke their own language, for instance; physical and sexual abuse was also prevalent. Overcrowding, poor sanitation and lack of medical care led to high rates of tuberculosis and death.
The 1960s saw the closing of the schools. Indigenous activists and historians brought attention to the residential school system issue and changed public perceptions. On June 11, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper officially apologized on behalf of the Canadian government; a (controversial) legal settlement was then approved.
Recently, in Manitoba, a bill was passed to recognize aboriginal languages in law.
What is the 2010 Truth and Reconciliation National event?
The Winnipeg chapter is the first of seven National Events that will be hosted by The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The goal of this series of events is to make the public aware of the devastating effects of 150 years of forced assimilation among Aboriginal Peoples. Survivors and those impacted by the residential school system will contribute their statements to the public record.
List of events
Days: June 16-19, 2010
Places: The Forks, Winnipeg Art Gallery and Manitoba Theatre for Young People.
Times: All day and until 10 p.m.
Events include:
—Musical performances by Buffy Sainte-Marie, Blue Rodeo, Susan Aglukark, Inez, and Robbie Romero.
—Demonstration of Inuit games.
—Sweat lodge ceremonies.
—Screening of short films about residential schools.
—World premiere of “Untitled,” a play by Ian Ross.
—And much more!
Please note that some events are not open to everyone.
For a complete list of events, visit the Program section.
To read more on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, visit the official website.
Comments
Well after 150 years it is about time they apologize to the indian nation. It is sad to see that it took so long to do that, while these peoples have suffered to those years. As a Canadian it makes me sad to see those things happen and hope one day things will be fair for everyone.
tigger
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