Residential Schools in Canada: History and Heritage Education Guide

1867 1896 For more than 200 years, religious orders run mission schools for Indigenous children — the precursors to the Government of Canada’s residential school system. Run by the Anglican Church, the Mohawk Institute in Brantford, Upper Canada [Ontario], becomes the first school in Canada’s residential school system. Opened in 1828 as the Mechanics' Institute day school, in 1831 the school begins to accept boarders. At first, the school only houses boys. In 1834, girls are admitted as boarders. The Bagot Commission Report proposes that separating Indigenous children from their parents is the best way to assimilate them into Euro-Canadian culture. The Gradual Civilization Act requires male Status Indians and Métis over the age of 21 to read, write, and speak either English or French, and to choose a government-approved surname. The Act awards 50 acres of land to any First Nations or Métis male who has “sufficiently advanced” elementary education, and, in return, removes any affiliation with their nation or treaty rights. The Indian Act gives the Canadian government control over the lives and fates of First Nations. It officially excludes Métis and Inuit, but its policies are inconsistently applied to both. Mohawk Institute, Brantford, Ontario, c. 1884 (courtesy of Library and Archives Canada/PA-051882). Students at Alert Bay Mission School, British Columbia, c. 1885 (courtesy of Library and Archives Canada/George M. Dawson/PA-037934). The Fathers of Confederation by Rex Woods. The original painting by Robert Harris was installed in the Parliament Buildings in 1883 and was destroyed during the 1916 fire. This image is a reproduction by Woods, commissioned to mark Canada’s centennial (courtesy of Library and Archives Canada/Acc. No. 1967-49-11). 1600 s –1800 s 1831 1844 The Constitution Act creates the Dominion of Canada. Under the Constitution Act (British North America Act) , the government takes authority over First Nations and their land. This authority would later extend to the education of Status Indians. The number of schools across Canada quickly climbs to over 40. Each school is provided with an allowance per student (or “per capita payments”), which leads to overcrowding and increased illness within the institutions. 1857 1876 Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald authorizes the creation of the Indian Residential School system, designed to remove Indigenous children from their families and sever all ties to their cultures. Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald (courtesy of Library and Archives Canada/W.J. Moore/C-021595). 1883 TIMELINE 1600 5