Indian Residential, Day, and
Industrial Schools

Trigger warning: Readers may be triggered by the recount of Indian Residential Schools. To access a 24-hour National Crisis Line, call: 1-866-925-4419. Community Assistance Program (CAP) can be accessed by Anishinabek Nation member first nation citizens: 1-800-663-1142.

Indian Residential, Day, and Industrial Schools

History of the Indian Residential School System in Canada

Our Creation Story tells us how we came to occupy and thrive on Turtle Island. For thousands of years, our culture and knowledge have helped us to flourish and adapt to ever-changing circumstances. We lived in a vibrant society based on the enduring strengths of our culture.

The biggest test of our society began when visitors from another continent arrived under the guise of friendship. Alliances and rivalries were formed with the various newcomers. Soon, missionaries arrived on our lands with the intent of saving our souls – they were trying to save us from ourselves.

 

Anishinabek Nation Map and Information

Federally Recognized Indian Residential Schools in Anishinabek Territory

  • St. Joseph’s Indian Residential School

    Dates of operation:
    1885-01-01 – 1970-06-30

  • Mount Elgin Indian Residential School

    Dates of operation:
    1867-01-01 – 1946-06-30

  • Spanish Girls School
    (St. Joseph’s School)

    Dates of operation:
    1868-03-24 – 1962-06-30

  • Spanish Boys School
    (St. Peter Claver School)

    Dates of operation:
    1868-03-24 – 1962-06-30

  • Shingwauk Residential School (Wawanosh)

    Dates of operation:
    1873-09-22 – 1970-06-1970

An Overview of the Schools

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCHOOLS

  • The goal of Indian Residential Schools was to assimilate Indians into society— to kill the Indian in the child.
  • The Canadian government operated Indian Residential and Say Schools in partnership with the Anglican, Catholic,
    Methodist, and Presbyterian churches, among others.
  • The Canadian government was financially responsible for Indian Residential Schools.
  • Indian Residential Schools operated in all Canadian provinces and territories except Prince Edward Island, New
    Brunswick, and Newfoundland.
  • Indian Residential Schools operated in Canada between the 1870s and the 1990s.
  • The last Indian Residential School closed in 1997.
  • Children between the ages of 4-16 attended Indian Residential School.
  • It is estimated that over 150,000 Indian, Inuit, and Métis children attended Indian Residential School.

WHAT WAS AN INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL?

  • The goal of Indian Residential Schools was to assimilate Indians into society— to kill the Indian in the child.
  • The Canadian government operated Indian Residential and Say Schools in partnership with the Anglican, Catholic,
    Methodist, and Presbyterian churches, among others.
  • The Canadian government was financially responsible for Indian Residential Schools.
  • Indian Residential Schools operated in all Canadian provinces and territories except Prince Edward Island, New
    Brunswick, and Newfoundland.
  • Indian Residential Schools operated in Canada between the 1870s and the 1990s.
  • The last Indian Residential School closed in 1997.
  • Children between the ages of 4-16 attended Indian Residential School.
  • It is estimated that over 150,000 Indian, Inuit, and Métis children attended Indian Residential School.

WHY WERE THE SCHOOLS CREATED?

  • The goal of Indian Residential Schools was to assimilate Indians into society— to kill the Indian in
    the child.
  • The Canadian government operated Indian Residential and Say Schools in partnership with the Anglican,
    Catholic,
    Methodist, and Presbyterian churches, among others.
  • The Canadian government was financially responsible for Indian Residential Schools.
  • Indian Residential Schools operated in all Canadian provinces and territories except Prince Edward
    Island, New
    Brunswick, and Newfoundland.
  • Indian Residential Schools operated in Canada between the 1870s and the 1990s.
  • The last Indian Residential School closed in 1997.
  • Children between the ages of 4-16 attended Indian Residential School.
  • It is estimated that over 150,000 Indian, Inuit, and Métis children attended Indian Residential
    School.