INDIAN RESIDENTIAL 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.

Monument Unveiling and Commemoration

NIPISSING FIRST NATION— On March 25, 2013, the Anishinabek Nation held a commemoration event at
the Head Office located in Nipissing First Nation.

At the commemoration event, the unveiling of the honouring monument for all Anishinabek students who attended Indian Residential Schools was held. At the same time, the launching of the numerous resources that were developed to foster healing and promote education about the legacy of the Indian Residential School system was introduced.

The unveiling ceremony was an overall success with over 100 Anishinabek Nation citizens including
Survivors and their families in attendance, and a move in the right

Survivors Stories

The following stories are told from the perspective of Indian Residential School Survivors.

Rita Fenton

Fort William First Nation

!…This all stems from our history of the Indian Residential Schools, intergenerational trauma… that’s the
disconnection from our families……..”

Chantal Larocque

Anishinabek Police Service

“…For reconciliation… its always building those relationships and being acceptive of whoever you are…”

Jeff Stewart

Nipissing First Nation

“…The Creator, spirit, or something is telling me…hey, you’re doing what you’re meant to do…’

Resources and Learning

Check out our Education Resources to see the many resources that can be ordered right through the Anishinabek Nation!

  • Education Resources
    Education Resources

    This page contains a variety of resources,for all ages and learning levels.

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  • Education Resources
    Truth and Reconciliation

    This page contains a variety of resources for all ages and learning levels.

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  • Education Resources
    Our Story, Our History

    This page contains a variety of resources for all ages and learning levels.

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  • Education Resources
    Health Resources

    This page contains a variety of resources for all ages and learning levels.

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  • Education Resources
    Trauma

    This page contains a variety of resources for all ages and learning levels.

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  • Education Resources
    Healing

    This page contains a variety of resources for all ages and learning levels.

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Mental Wellness Resources

This section will provide a list of accessible mental wellness resources. This list will continue to expand as more become accessible and available.

Free mental wellness, trauma, and crisis support is available 24/7 to any citizen of the 39 Anishinabek Nation member First Nations.

What is Trauma and Resilience?

This page contains information on the impacts of the Indian Residential School system to the Survivors, their families, and communities. It is adapted from the booklet, The Soul Wounds of the Anishinabek People: The Psychological and Intergenerational Impacts of the Indian Residential School System, by Dr. Brenda Restoule. C.Psych.

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Healing

Accessing National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) Records for Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors

What is the NCTR?

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) was created to preserve the memory and
legacy of Canada’s Indian Residential School system.

The most important service they provide is delivering Survivors and their families a record of
their own history, a sacred bundle that the NCTR will protect and preserve forever for the benefit of all Canadians. These archives are the spiritual core of the NCTR.

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