Summary: Sexual Abuse In Residential Schools

Deconstruction Finally, in 1996 the last Indian Residence school was closed, although this was not the end of the abuse that has occurred to the Indigenous culture, people or way of life. “The five-volume RCAP report in 1996 highlighted four main types of harms committed during the colonization process. The first of these concerned the physical and sexual abuse in residential schools (as well as their goals of assimilation and cultural destruction). The report clearly stated problems of neglect, underfunding, and widespread abuse, as well as the "very high death rate" from tuberculosis, "overcrowding, lack of care and cleanliness and poor sanitation." Overall, the report was a damning indictment of the government's treatment of Aboriginal

After all the schools were shut down and the children sent home; some of the schools were torn down or destroyed while others were repurposed for a different use; however, the memories of what happened at the schools will continue to haunt some of the survivors’ lives today. Phil Fontaine, former student of the Residential schools, spoke publicly about the living conditions and the abuse he endured, which in turn empowered other students to come forth with their stories and experiences. “Fontaine was also instrumental in negotiating the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, which came into effect in 2007, and the formal apology made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to residential school survivors the following year” (Marshall, 2016). In 2008, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released a report that takes some ownership for the hardship that was caused not just within the Residential schools, but also to the Indigenous peoples in general. There have also been several court cases in the Supreme Courts of Canada involving indigenous people. What are you

A CYC should demonstrate empathy, compassion and work towards understanding the needs of the individual they are working with, so they can tailor a solution to their specific situation. As a CYC, it is important to be aware of what is happening in the world around us and making sure that we are keeping an open mind in supporting all children and youth. Regarding Indigenous people, there have been several cases in the news that could contribute to a child or youth having a challenging time which leads to anxiety or unsettling thoughts about previous situation – what are you talking about here?. A CYC should always meet the child and youth where they are both physically and mentally, so they can support the child/youth to move forward in dealing with their struggles. “It means accepting people for how they are and who they are as we encounter them. It means responding appropriately to their developmental capabilities, accepting their fears and hesitations, celebrating their joys and enabling them – without pressure – to be who they are in interactions with them” (Garfat, Fulcher, 2012). It is always important for CYC to remain up to date in different strategies or methods of support to provide the best practice for the children and youth requesting our help. Building a