Monchalin The Impact Of Assimilation
Looking at the effects of Canada’s colonial past, the chapter of Monchalin’s textbook The Impact of Assimilation discusses the history of residential schools and the impact that they have had on Canada’s Indigenous community. The purpose of these horrendous and unethical establishments was to eradicate the culture, traditions, and language of Indigenous peoples. This was done by removing Indigenous children from their homes, denying them communication with their families while forcing them to adopt the beliefs of Christianity. Beginning in 1920, it became compulsory that all Indigenous children from the age of seven to fifteen must attend school however; this did not necessarily mean that they were required to attend a residential school. Though
by the year 1945, the attendance at residential schools had increased to the point where more Indigenous children were attending this type of school rather than simply a day school. Upon arrival to these schools, Indigenous children were deprived of their culture as they were renamed with either an English or French name, their traditional long hair was cut off, and they were given standardized clothing in replacement of their traditional garments. Not only were these children deprived of their culture and traditions, they were also force to endure years of abuse as a result of these schools.
by the year 1945, the attendance at residential schools had increased to the point where more Indigenous children were attending this type of school rather than simply a day school. Upon arrival to these schools, Indigenous children were deprived of their culture as they were renamed with either an English or French name, their traditional long hair was cut off, and they were given standardized clothing in replacement of their traditional garments. Not only were these children deprived of their culture and traditions, they were also force to endure years of abuse as a result of these schools.