History Matters: learning from the past We in this room are not responsible for the decisions made in the past. But individually and together, we have an opportunity to support Indigenous communities to recover and to contribute to Canada’s reconciliation. VN2018.1

The Indian Act Legislated policy that “the legal status of the Indians of Canada is that of minors, with the Government as their guardians” Covered almost all aspects of Indian life from birth to death Goals of assimilation, integration, eventual abolition of reserves and rights @2018 IRG.

@2018 IRG.

Residential Schools Between 1892 and 1996, about 150 residential schools operated across Canada by churches Up to seven generations of children in some communities were taken A Canadian story @2018 IRG.

The policy goal “In order to educate the children properly we must separate them from their families, some people say this is hard but if we want to civilize them we must do that”. Public Works Minister, 1883 @2018 IRG.

Complicated Stories Some teachers and school workers had no idea of the intention of schools and did their best; some were predators with virtually no legal response. Excessive discipline for speaking their own language, for perceived slights against teachers, and sometimes for no logical reason at all. Physical and sexual abuse from school workers, and some from other students. Chronic underfunding of the schools may have led to poor living conditions, and the students doing laundry, cleaning, farm work. @2018 IRG.

"It is readily acknowledged that Indian children lose their natural resistance to illness by habitating so closely in these schools, and that they die at a much higher rate than in their villages. But this alone does not justify a change in the policy of this Department, which is geared towards the final solution of our Indian problem.” Dr. Duncan Campell Scott, Superintendent of Indian Affairs in 1910. @2018 IRG.

Inuit experience Inuit included in the British North American Act 1930s – research into Inuit education leads to federal government decision to work on Inuit education 1940s – American military reports on deplorable living conditions among Inuit with wide media coverage 1950s – Actions to integrate Inuit into mainstream Canadian society 1960s – Hostels built for Inuit schooling under federal jurisdiction 1970s – Inuit education starts to transfer to provincial/territorial jurisdiction A group of Inuit women and children stand outside the school at the Pangnirtung Federal Hostel @2018 IRG.

@2018 IRG.

Impacts of colonization Repeated traumas Loss of land Risks to language and knowledge systems Risks to culture and pride in culture Loss of family and community structure Loss of parenting experience of children and adults Risk of intergenerational trauma @2018 IRG.

What is trauma? An experience that: an individual views as outside of his or her control – a sense that I cannot protect myself from harm. overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. Many people have experienced trauma and resulting challenges, but they might call it something else due to stigma. Trauma can be resolved with good supports from family and friends, and perhaps mental health supports, like any experience in life. @2018 IRG.

Adrenaline, sugars, cortisol, cholesterol endorphins Mental Inconsistent personal boundaries, poor relationships Lateral violence Addictions Interferes with coping skills, parenting skills Self-esteem challenges, sense of self Suicide Loss of cultural esteem, spiritual and cultural shame Can interfere with ability to take in new information (ready-to-learn, ready-to-work) Attempts to rationalize “why” can lead to self-blame, blaming others Interfere with sense of control Increased risk of chronic disease, stroke, heart disease Increased risk of obesity Increases overall “stress load”, more easily sent into high alert, jumpy Physical Adrenaline, sugars, cortisol, cholesterol endorphins Mental Sensitizes fight-flight response Desensitizes memory functions Emotional Depression, anxiety about protecting self, attempts to cover up pain Spiritual Challenges to values & beliefs, sense of self and place in the world @2018 IRG.

@2018 IRG.