Image description: A photo of Indigenous students attending the Metlakatla Indian Residential School. (Credit: William James Topley, Library and Archives Canada)

In 1996, the last Residential school, Gordon Residential School in Punnichy, Saskatchewan, closed—ending the active assimilation of Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture via these horrific facilities.

Qi Creative operates on the traditional territories of the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Alberta, and we express respect and gratitude for the land we use in living and raising ourselves and our families.

In working with youth of all abilities in their homes, schools and varying urban, rural, and residential communities, we hope our actions over time reflect continuing efforts to end systemic racism and advance reconciliation and collaboration with Indigenous peoples across the province and the country.

Part of our continued work and growth in supporting Indigenous people in Canada includes education, support, and promoting equity and justice.

What are Residential Schools?

Residential schools were educational institutions that were funded by the government and operated by religious organizations in Canada.

The residential school system was in operation from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century, and was designed to assimilate Indigenous children into Canadian society by separating them from their families and communities.

The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996, and in 2008, the government of Canada apologized for the harm caused by the residential school system and established a compensation program for survivors.

Impact of Residential Schools

Rita Joe, PR CM, Mi’kmaq poet and songwriter, Poet Laureate of the Mi’kmaq people; author of I Lost My Talk and other works

Children who attended residential schools were often forcibly removed from their homes and placed in these schools, where they were required to speak English, practice Christianity, and adhere to the rules and regulations of the school.

Many children who attended residential schools experienced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect, and were not allowed to maintain their cultural practices or speak their native languages.

The residential school system had a profound and lasting impact on Indigenous communities in Canada, and has been recognized as a form of cultural genocide by the Canadian government.

A Reading List about Residential Schools

Stories and storytelling has, and will always remain, an important medium to educate Canadians of all ages and backgrounds about Residential Schools and their horrific impacts on generations of Indigenous people across the country.

Below, we have a collection of books, each with and by Indigenous creators.

Beyond published reports and calls to action to acknowledge colonial violence of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) and systemic outcomes of Residential Schools, we are all responsible for continuing to work towards and achieve equitable safety for all Canadians.

Dear Canada, These Are My Words: The Residential School Diary of Violet Pesheens by Ruby Slipperjack

Broken Circle by Ted Fontaine

Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese

Up Ghost River by Edmund Metatawabin

I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day

Amik Loves School by Katherena Vermette

Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne Story by David A. Robertson

7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga by David A. Robertson

I’m Finding My Talk by Rebecca Thomas

Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waub Rice

I Lost My Talk by Rita Joe

They Called Me Number One by Bev Sellers