Civics and Canadian History: Residential Schools and Reconciliation

These flashcards cover the key concepts, historical perspectives, and ethical dimensions of Canada's residential school system and the ongoing process of reconciliation.

Reconciliation

The process of restoring friendly relations, aligning conflicting ideas, or resolving issues.

Unintended effects of Residential Schools

The loss of Indigenous languages, culture, and family connections.

Factors contributing to Residential Schools

Government policies, racism, and forced assimilation.

Assimilation policies

Policies that were accepted at the time of the event but are no longer accepted or popular today.

Missing voices in historical records

The voices of Indigenous children, who historically had fewer opportunities to share their experiences.

Indigenous worldview

A perspective often focused on community, culture, and connection to the land.

Residential school artefacts

Historical items such as pictures of children learning technology, forced changes to hair and outfits, and evidence of forced religious practices like nightly prayer.

Historical significance of Residential Schools

Considered one of the most significant events in this historical period due to its lasting impact on Indigenous families and Canada as a whole.

Themes of Canadian history involved

Trauma, healing, reconciliation, racism, and abuse.

Comparison to slavery

A historical comparison based on the fact that both systems harmed people and stripped away their rights.

Connection to Indigenous rights

The link between the history of Residential Schools and the broader pursuit of fairness and equality.

Contemporary responsibilities

The duty to learn from the past and support reconciliation efforts for actions taken in history.

Canadian identity and Residential Schools

A part of history many Canadians feel ashamed of, which now helps define the country through efforts toward respect and reconciliation.