As noted in Unit 1, all people living in Canada today are treaty people. The relationships that led to the formation – and later, the dismantling – of the residential school system involve both indigenous people and settlers.
In her study of residential schools, Resistance and Renewal, which was one of the first books written on the subject, Celia Haig-Brown notes that some First Nations people criticized her work as an unwanted intervention in their lives. Reflecting on this point, she writes that non-indigenous peoples also played a central role in the residential school system, and so are part of that history. She stressed that it is important that these parties engage in open conversation with one another (Haig-Brown, p.10).
That kind of discussion or dialogue is part of the important work being done by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1998 through a grant from the Government of Canada. Its work supports community-based healing projects addressing the legacy of abuse endured by students at residential schools.
Among many other activities, the Foundation published a book series about residential schools and reconciliation. Brian Rice and Anna Snyder wrote an interesting chapter in one of these books, which considers the role that we all play in the ongoing process of reconciliation.
Rice is an enrolled member of Mohawk Nation, who graduated with a doctorate in Traditional Aboriginal Knowledge from California Institute of Integral Studies – the only all-Aboriginal PhD program ever in existence.
Snyder holds a PhD in social science, and her work focuses on conflict resolution.
They are involved in local healing and reconciliation initiatives with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. In their chapter, Rice and Snyder identify three factors that everyone can think about when studying the history and ongoing effects of residential schools. They suggest that addressing each of these issues builds an additional layer of healing into the reconciliation process. The three factors we can all consider are:
1) Understanding the legacy of colonialism and its impacts on the social, political and economic life of Aboriginal people
2) Understanding the historical and contemporary myths used to rationalize Canada’s policies and practices towards Aboriginal people
3) Understanding the tremendous impact of colonialism, including the residential school system, on Aboriginal identities and mental health.
While the Aboriginal Healing Foundation had a 10-year mandate, it extended its work to support ongoing healing intiatives. To continue to support holistic and community-based healing projects the Foundation established a national charity, which is called the Legacy of Hope Foundation. Legacy of Hope focuses on education, awareness and understanding about the legacy of residential schools, including its intergenerational and ongoing impacts on First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. Its work supports the ongoing healing process of Residential School Survivors, and also strives to support reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada.
The video below was created by the Legacy of Hope Foundation. It presents the stories of two residential school survivors. It contains subject matter that may be disturbing to some viewers, particularly survivors, and so viewer discretion is advised.
In her study of residential schools, Resistance and Renewal, which was one of the first books written on the subject, Celia Haig-Brown notes that some First Nations people criticized her work as an unwanted intervention in their lives. Reflecting on this point, she writes that non-indigenous peoples also played a central role in the residential school system, and so are part of that history. She stressed that it is important that these parties engage in open conversation with one another (Haig-Brown, p.10).
That kind of discussion or dialogue is part of the important work being done by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1998 through a grant from the Government of Canada. Its work supports community-based healing projects addressing the legacy of abuse endured by students at residential schools.
Among many other activities, the Foundation published a book series about residential schools and reconciliation. Brian Rice and Anna Snyder wrote an interesting chapter in one of these books, which considers the role that we all play in the ongoing process of reconciliation.
Rice is an enrolled member of Mohawk Nation, who graduated with a doctorate in Traditional Aboriginal Knowledge from California Institute of Integral Studies – the only all-Aboriginal PhD program ever in existence.
Snyder holds a PhD in social science, and her work focuses on conflict resolution.
They are involved in local healing and reconciliation initiatives with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. In their chapter, Rice and Snyder identify three factors that everyone can think about when studying the history and ongoing effects of residential schools. They suggest that addressing each of these issues builds an additional layer of healing into the reconciliation process. The three factors we can all consider are:
1) Understanding the legacy of colonialism and its impacts on the social, political and economic life of Aboriginal people
2) Understanding the historical and contemporary myths used to rationalize Canada’s policies and practices towards Aboriginal people
3) Understanding the tremendous impact of colonialism, including the residential school system, on Aboriginal identities and mental health.
While the Aboriginal Healing Foundation had a 10-year mandate, it extended its work to support ongoing healing intiatives. To continue to support holistic and community-based healing projects the Foundation established a national charity, which is called the Legacy of Hope Foundation. Legacy of Hope focuses on education, awareness and understanding about the legacy of residential schools, including its intergenerational and ongoing impacts on First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. Its work supports the ongoing healing process of Residential School Survivors, and also strives to support reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada.
The video below was created by the Legacy of Hope Foundation. It presents the stories of two residential school survivors. It contains subject matter that may be disturbing to some viewers, particularly survivors, and so viewer discretion is advised.
Last modified: Friday, 17 January 2014, 03:59 PM