Educating Our Educators (March 2011) - Algoma District School Board

Effects Many children returned from residential school unable to communicate with their parents andgrandparents in their own language. Loss of connection to the land and sense of family and care giving that is usually passed down throughparents to children. Children learned to read and write. Children learned about cultures other than their own. Generations of individuals lost their sense of belonging, fitting neither into the Aboriginal culture northe mainstream culture. The devastating effects of residential school, which today, are commonly still being felt referred to as “residentialschool syndrome” (TDSB, 2006). Parenting skills lost due to many Aboriginals not showing affection after the event. Family violence Some children suffered physical, sexual and emotional abuse Continued cycle of physical and sexual abuse. Lack of trust and good faith between Aboriginal peoples, government and ministries Many Aboriginal children were made to feel ashamed of their culture. Residential schools were organized without sensitivity to the needs and lifestyles of Aboriginal people The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was built upon the “Statement of Reconciliation”dated January 7, 1998 and the principles developed by the Working Group on Truth andReconciliation and of the Exploratory Dialogues (1998-1999). These principles are as follows:accessible; victim-centered; confidentiality (if required by the former student); do no harm;health and safety of participants; representative; public/transparent; accountable; open andhonourable process; comprehensive; inclusive, educational, holistic, just and fair; respectful;voluntary; flexible; and forward looking in terms of rebuilding and renewing Aboriginalrelationships and the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians.Reconciliation is an ongoing individual and collective process, and will require commitmentfrom all those affected including First Nations, Inuit and Métis former Indian Residential School(IRS) students, their families, communities, religious entities, former school employees,government and the people of Canada.Educating Our Educators – Educating Our Aboriginal StudentsRevised March 201141