Indian Residential Schools operated across Canada between 1831 and 1996. In its comprehensive report in June 2015 on the residential school policy, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada declares "establishment and operation of residential schools were a central element of this policy, which can best be described as “cultural genocide.”"

The earliest recognized and longest running residential school was the Mohawk Institute in Brantford, Ontario (1831 – 1962). The last federally run residential school to close was Gordon’s School in Punnichy, Saskatchewan, which closed in 1996 and subsequently decommissioned.

During the residential school era it is estimated that:

• 150,000 children attended these schools
• Over 4,000 died while attending these schools (based on partial federal government records)
• Approximately 80,000 survivors of these schools are alive today

The impact of residential schools affects every Canadian – what can you do to show your support and recognition?

Here are some suggestions:

Wear an Orange t-shirt and encourage your students, family, your co-workers to do the same.

From https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/what-is-orange-shirt-day

Read more about Residential Schools: