Indigenous Children in Canada

For more than a century, many Indigenous children in Canada were taken from their families and placed in residential schools. These schools were part of government policies aimed at forcing Indigenous peoples to give up their cultures and languages, which officials called “assimilation.” In reality, this caused deep harm to children, families, and communities.

Residential schools were government-funded and often run by churches. From the late 1800s until the last school closed in 1996, thousands of Indigenous children were sent, sometimes by force, to live in these institutions. The goal was to separate children from their families and teach them European-Canadian culture and English or French.

Children were often punished if they spoke their own languages or practiced their traditions. Many were isolated from family affection and support for long periods of time.

These schools caused harm, such as loss of culture and language. Rapes and punishment, child labour and beatings.

Children were discouraged or prevented from speaking their own languages or cultural traditions, and weakened ties to identity and heritage.

Being separated from parents, siblings, and communities caused sadness, fear, and a sense of loss for many students.

Many former students have shared that they faced physical punishment, neglect, and mistreatment in the schools. These experiences left long-lasting wounds.

Because many children lost connection to family life, parenting skills, and cultural roots, the harm continued into future generations — not just to the children who attended, but to their children and grandchildren.

In recent decades, the Canadian government and various institutions have publicly recognized that residential schools were harmful and unjust.

From 2008 to 2015, Indigenous survivors and leaders worked with the TRC to record personal stories and uncover what happened at these schools. The TRC released a final report documenting the harms and making 94 Calls to Action to help Canada address the legacy of residential schools and improve relationships with Indigenous peoples.

In 2008, the Government of Canada issued a formal apology for the residential school system. Churches and other organizations have also apologized for their roles.

The legacy of residential schools is still felt in many Indigenous communities across Canada. Efforts to support healing, preserve languages, and strengthen cultural identity continue through education, community programs, and legal recognition of rights.

Learning about this history helps all Canadians understand the importance of respect, reconciliation, and supporting Indigenous rights and voices. So far, it’s been estimated that up to 25000 children have died during these dark years. According to the report, many of the deaths were caused by disease, such as tuberculosis, due to poor conditions, neglect, and overcrowding.

Many children’s death was coverd and buried anonymously.