Truth First: The Legacy of Canada’s Residential Schools

Beyond the Headlines

*Trigger Warning: This episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive, and potentially triggering themes including institutionalized modes of oppression, sexual violence, and violence against children.

Today’s episode delves into the history and enduring consequences of Canada's residential school system. With a focus on understanding the systemic abuses inflicted upon Indigenous children and communities, we examine the roots of the residential school system and its devastating effects on Indigenous cultures and identities.

In the first segment, Kaila Johnston provides an overview of the history of residential schools in Canada, discussing their role within the broader context of colonialism and the suppression of Indigenous cultures. She also explains the methods used within the system to suppress Indigenous languages and cultures and clarifies the term "cultural genocide." Kaila addresses common misunderstandings about residential schools, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their impact on Indigenous communities.

Tyler Pennock then discusses the long-term impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities, focusing on intergenerational trauma and cultural loss. They emphasize the crucial need for Canadians to acknowledge and confront the truth of residential schools for reconciliation. Tyler also discusses Indigenous storytelling and knowledge, providing guidance for non-Indigenous Canadians seeking to educate themselves further.

Further resources:

Residential School history.

Learn whose land you are on.

Justice, D., Carleton, S., Truth before reconciliation: 8 ways to identify and confront Residential School denialism (mentioned by Kaila).

Tyler Pennock’s website.

Indian Horse’s movie trailer (mentioned by Kaila).

Books for adults on the topic of residential schools.