Today, Explained

Canada’s residential schools

Jun 29, 2021
Connie Walker, an investigative journalist and member of the Cree Nation, delves into the dark legacy of Canada's residential schools. She discusses the shocking discoveries of mass graves of Indigenous children and how these findings have ignited crucial conversations about accountability and healing. Walker shares personal narratives from survivors, emphasizing the emotional toll endured by families and the quest for justice. The discussion parallels the injustices faced by Indigenous communities in the U.S., shedding light on a painful history that demands recognition.
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ANECDOTE

Personal Connection to Residential Schools

  • Connie Walker's grandmother, a residential school survivor, ran away and returned home.
  • Walker's grandfather wasn't allowed to attend his own grandfather's funeral while in the school.
INSIGHT

Residential School System

  • The world is now learning about Canada's residential school system, a system of forced assimilation and abuse of Indigenous children.
  • These schools operated for over 100 years, the last closing in 1997.
INSIGHT

Unknown Death Toll

  • The number of children who died or went missing in residential schools is unknown but estimated to be in the thousands.
  • These schools had graveyards, with the death rate exceeding that of soldiers in World War II.
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