The History of Residential Schools in Canada

In 1920 under the Indian Act, it became mandatory for every Indian child to attend a residential school and illegal for them to attend any other educational institution. The purpose of the residential schools was to eliminate all aspects of Aboriginal culture. Students had their hair cut short,. They were dressed in uniforms and their days were strictly regimented by timetables. Boys and girls were kept separate and even siblings rarely interacted, further weakening family ties.