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What Was The Impact Of Residential Schools On Indigenous Community

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Residential Schools and the Impact on indigenous communities
Introduction
Residential schools were institutions that were set up by the Canadian government to assimilate indigenous children into the dominant culture of Canada. This policy was implemented in the 19th century and lasted till the late 20th century. Residential schools were meant to provide indigenous children with an education, but in reality, these institutions were responsible for the cultural genocide of the indigenous community. Residential schools had a deep and lasting impact on the Indigenous community, and it is important to understand the effects that these schools had on the community.
Background of residential schools
The residential school system in Canada was set …show more content…

The children who were sent to residential schools were subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The children were not allowed to practice their cultural and religious beliefs and were punished if they did so. The schools were overcrowded and lacked proper facilities, leading to poor health and undernourished. Many children died while in residential schools due to disease, neglect, and abuse that happened so they even died after returning home. The impact of residential schools was not just limited to the children who attended the schools. The families of the children were also affected as they were unable to pass on their cultural and traditional knowledge to their children. The impact of residential schools can be seen in the high rates of poverty, addiction, and suicide among the indigenous community today. The legacy of residential schools has also contributed to the loss of indigenous languages, cultural practices, and …show more content…

Studies have shown that residential school survivors experience higher rates of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicide. Many survivors have also reported physical and sexual abuse while in school.
Objection 2: The Cultural Genocide of Indigenous Peoples
The residential school system was an attempt at cultural genocide of the indigenous peoples. The Canadian government and the churches involved in operating the schools believed that erasing indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions would make indigenous peoples assimilate into Canadian society. The schools, therefore, actively discouraged any cultural practices or beliefs that were not considered "Canadian." Children were taught to see their own culture as barbaric and inferior, which caused them to hide their identities from non-Indigenous Canadians.
This attempt at cultural genocide has had long-term impacts on the indigenous community. Many Indigenous people have lost their connection to their culture, language, and traditions, which has led to a disconnection from their own communities and identity. It has also led to a loss of traditional knowledge, which is critical to the survival of Indigenous

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However, what is presented is even more dark and appalling. This book differs from typical non-fiction works on residential schools in its unflinching revelation of the ugly truths. Benjamin does something remarkable by shifting the focus from the victims to the perpetrators. While most people are familiar with the survivor stories of Indigenous children, with emphasis on the abuse they endured and loss of their cultural identity; few works delve into the actions of the oppressors. Benjamin's approach is not intended to diminish the survivor's experiences, but rather to shine a light on the abuse of power by the priests, nuns, and government, which has gone unchecked for too long.

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