Residential Schools: Background

Shingwauk Residential School, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

• Owned & operated by The Anglican Church of Canada
• Opened August 2nd, 1875
• New school opened October 3rd, 1935 & housed 140 pupils
• The school focused on teaching trades & agriculture

Jack was often subjected to:

• Harsh discipline
• Malnutrition
• Poor health
• Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse
• Deliberate suppression of his culture and language

Daily Schedule

5 AM	Bell rings, students rise, wash, & dress
5:30 AM	Breakfast, then prayers
6 – 9 AM	Boys work on farm, girls work in house
9 – 12 PM	School
12 – 1 PM	Lunch & recreation
1 – 3:30 PM	School
3:30 – 6 PM	Work on farm
6 PM	Dinner & prayers
Evening	Boys: school in winter; work on farm in summer Girls: learn needlework
9 PM	Bedtime

 

Effects of Residential Schools on Indigenous Health

Personal or familial residential school attendance is related to health in a multitude of ways. People who attended residential schools generally feel their health or quality of life has been negatively impacted.

General health: poorer overall self-rated health, less likely to seek health care

Physical health: chronic health conditions and infectious diseases

Mental health and emotional well-being: mental distress, depression, addictive behaviour, substance misuse, stress, and suicidal behaviours

Occupational Illness and Disease

Occupational health focused on the physical health – respiratory disease, the impact of noise, heat and vibration on the miners’ health.

A significant number of miners are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health).