The Destructive Nature of Residential Schooling

Controversy emerges during heated debates surrounding Aboriginal rights and issues. Since colonial time, disagreements between Native Americans and European settlers have become the overriding identity of the indigenous peoples of Canada. Ignorance has caused much anguish and problems within the two communities and has left bitter feelings between both parties. In Canada, the acceptance of multiculturalism is seen as one of its most attractive characteristics. Many people simply cannot comprehend the extent to which the white man has attempted to assimilate aboriginals into their own way of living, totally disregarding the Native's cultures and values. Multiculturalism is an arguable concept in Canada as the degree of acceptance is still a work in progress. We, therefore, see consequences of history unfolding in society today. Such instances have been reiterated through elders and other guest lecturers who have talked painfully about their past. Residential schools, generally seen as an appropriate action to "civilize" aboriginals, have left scars on their survivors. "...[In] recent years ‘cultural discontinuity' has been recognized as a serious problem" (Trevithick 60). The catastrophic effects of residential schools include loss of family structure, abuse in all forms, and loss of culture and identity. By using studies, literature and first person accounts, one is able to delve into the horrendous outcomes of such situations.

It was within the nineteenth century that residential and boarding schools were put into effect. The Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church and others alike, built programs in attempts to absorb Native Americans into their own way of living: speaking, learning, practicing religion and others. The circular way of thinking by aboriginal peoples can be used to explain the conflicting views of indigenous people and colonialists. "We believe that our circular thinking harmonized with the order of Creation and that the thinking that Europeans brought with them to our land has been so destructive of life precisely because it is not in harmony with the Circle of Life" (Sioui 124). The Europeans attempted to implement their linear way of thinking, which caused many problems. Many aboriginals could not grasp such concepts, as at a very early age it is custom to learn about Mother Earth and other aspects that support a circular matricentric way of thinking. Due to their materialistic and possession-based thinking, the Europeans thought that they owned Canada and felt that it was their duty to enlighten the aboriginal population.

Unfortunately, their attempts to influence the indigenous peoples of Canada resulted in the splitting of valuable family relationships.

"From almost every Aboriginal community in British Columbia, children as young as three to age eighteen were removed from their homes, most forcibly, and placed in boarding