Sara L.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Red River Heritage Fair

Indian Residential School

My video is about the Indian Residential School system. It was a very dark period in Canada’s history that many people are not yet aware of. The intention of the creators of this system was a form of genocide. You can view my sources here and listen to the full version of He Can Fancy Dance by Cindy Paul here.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

One of the most important things I learned was about the Indian Residential School in Winnipeg. Assiniboia Indian Residential School is now the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. As I say, "A place that once hurt children now helps children."

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I learned how the Europeans thought they were so superior to First Peoples and attempted to assimilate them. To me, it is wrong to take anyone and try to make someone into someone that they're not.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

I have experienced some of the intergenerational fallout because my grandfather was a Residential School survivor. However, I have the benefit of living with my family in a nurturing home while getting a good education. These children were removed from their families and were stripped of everything: clothing, language, culture and identity.