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At Durham Catholic District School Board, we walk the path together with the Indigenous Education Circle, Student Circle, Indigenous partners, students and families and pledge to continue our learning, support and action of Truth and Reconciliation. Through our collaborative work we hope to support future generations of children in knowing the history, contributions, and excellence of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.
The goal of residential schools was to assimilate First Nation, Métis, and Inuit into society. The Canadian government operated residential schools in partnership with Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches, among others. Residential schools operated in all Canadian provinces and territories, except New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island. They operated between the 1870s and the last one closed in 1996. Children between the ages of 4-16 attend residential schools. It is estimated that over 150,000 First Nation, Métis and Inuit children attended residential schools (see links below to learn more).
Recognizing the truth is a step needed to achieve the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and we are committed to this learning. We recognize that more work needs to be done and as a society, we need to educate ourselves on the tragic wrongs and unjust acts that have been and continue to be committed towards Indigenous Peoples.
The Indigenous Education Department is available to work alongside educators to support student learning about residential schools.
Information About Residential Schools
These resources have been created to provide families and communities with additional information on residential schools and their legacy of violence and genocide against Indigenous people in Canada.
- Anishinabek.ca – An Overview of the Indian Residential School System
- The History of Residential Schools in Canada
- List of Residential Schools in Canada
- Reconciliation Thunder #94in94 Campaign
- Settlers Take Action - The On Canada Project: How to Make This Moment of Mourning a Movement for Change
Resources
- The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Reports
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 94 Calls to Action
- Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- Mental Health Supports and Resources for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Peoples
Book Suggestions
- Stolen Words by Melanie Florence (Primary students)
- When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson (Primary students)
- Fatty Legs: A True Story by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton (Primary students)
- Broken Circle: The Dark Legacy of Indian Residential Schools: A Memoir by Theodore Fontaine (secondary students and adults)
- They Called Me Number One: Secrets and Survival at an Indian Residential School by Bev Sellars (secondary students and adults)
- Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Issues in Canada by Chelsea Vowel (secondary students and adults)
Our Indigenous Education program
The following are links to articles that highlight our Indigenous Education program and the work being accomplished in our schools.
- How Durham School Boards plan to Boost Indigenous Education
- "Are kids learning about this?" Durham Readers ask if residential school system and its impact is being taught
- "A Lot of Work to Do:" Durham Catholic board plans for deeper Indigenous Learning in K-8
- Grade 11 English at Durham Catholic schools will look different this fall (June 2020)
- DCDSB Indigenous Education newsletters