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.
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.
The following are links to articles that highlight our Indigenous Education program and the work being accomplished in our schools.