Wednesday, April 1 st, 2015 What do you know about Aboriginals? Why do stereotypes exist? Residential Schools: What are they? – 1950s ad video – 2008 apology letter Article on Residential Schools “Did you know?”

What do you know about Aboriginals? Include everything: Things you know, hear, believe, stereotypes, etc. Aboriginals

WHY do you think these stereotypes exist? Discuss with your elbow partner.

Residential Schools: Film from 1955 Think of a few key messages this video is explaining as to what residential schools are like.

Learning Goals Define and explain “assimilation.” Understand the experiences of Aboriginal peoples in the Residential Schools system of the 20 th century. Analyse to what extent the Canadian government and society responded appropriately to individuals and groups in the 1920s and beyond.

Answer the questions in your booklet as you go through the lesson today and tomorrow. Each question will be answered by the sources we look at together.

The Government of Canada Apologizes for Residential Schools: 2008 Read the article on your own and answer the questions at the end. “The memories of residential schools sometimes cuts like merciless knives at our souls. This day will help put that pain behind us. The apology today is founded upon, more than anything else, the recognition that we all own our own lives and destinies – the only true foundations for a society where people can flourish.” – Phil Fontaine, Residential school survivor

Thursday, April, 2 nd – Block B - Take up yesterday’s exit cards --- what do you think so far? - Aboriginal news article + take up yesterday’s apology - Note: Residential Schools + What is assimilation? Image analysis - “Did You Know?” 3,2,1 handout - What do you think about residential schools so far?

Thursday, April, 2 nd – Block D - Entrance Card --- what do you think so far? - Aboriginal news article - Note: Residential Schools + What is assimilation? Image analysis - “Did You Know?” 3,2,1 handout - What do you think about residential schools so far?

Residential Schools “We weren’t home in residential school. We were far away from home, very far away, emotionally, geographically and spiritually. We were so far away. Sometimes we thought we were never going home again.” » Marius Tungilik

In 1928, a government official predicted Canada would end its "Indian problem" within two generations. Church-run, government-funded residential schools for native children were supposed to prepare them for life in white society. But the aims of assimilation meant devastation for those who were subjected to physical, sexual and emotional abuse. An Introduction

Treatment of Aboriginals The Canadian government wanted to assimilate First Nations people into English Canadian culture. They wanted ‘Indians’ to give up their identities because they were viewed as savages who needed to be civilized By the early 20 th century, the major means of achieving assimilation was through residential schools.

Residential Schools Parliament changed the Indian Act in the 1920s to make residential schools mandatory “Kill the Indian in the child” + “civilize” children to fit into Canadian society. Forced to attend if between 7 and 15 Stayed at boarding school English = the language of instruction Many were abused and punished for speaking a Native language Christian values emphasized; Aboriginal spirituality condemned Many were deprived of family love and connections, which would impact their lives and future generations greatly

Assimilation: What is it? Observe the photo on your booklet and note the differences of each photo.

Assimilation Conforming or adjusting to the customs, attitudes, etc. of a group, nation, or the like.

Issue 2: The HOW How has this impacted Canada’s Aboriginal people? How do you think the residential schools system would have impacted families? What would the long-term effects be? Answer in the booklet.

Facts and Statistics Aboriginal children attended residential schools About were still alive in 2008 In its 1996 report, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples determined residential schools as the government policy that did the greatest damage to Aboriginal culture and family life. In 2006, $1.9 billion was offered in compensation to residential school survivors. A truth and reconciliation commission was also established to hear survivors’ stories.

“Did You Know?” As we watch this video, fill in the 3, 2, 1 chart.

What are your thoughts on Residential Schools and assimilation so far? What do you think “assimilation” looks like today?