Course Description
The Indian Act, enacted in 1876, served as a tool of
colonial control, seeking to assimilate Indigenous peoples into settler society
by regulating various aspects of their lives. It imposed restrictions on land
ownership, cultural practices, and governance systems, fundamentally altering
Indigenous ways of life. One of the most egregious manifestations of this
policy was the establishment of residential schools, where Indigenous children
were forcibly removed from their families and communities. These institutions
subjected children to harsh conditions, physical and emotional abuse, and the
suppression of their Indigenous languages and cultures.
The legacy of the
Indian Act and residential schools continues to reverberate through
generations, manifesting in intergenerational trauma, socio-economic
disparities, and ongoing struggles for cultural revitalization and
self-determination among Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
What you'll learn
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Learn about the
Indian Act and its effects on Indigenous communities.
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Understand that Residential schools were used to assimilate Indigenous children and so much more.
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Broaden your knowledge to include the cultural
suppression and trauma experienced in residential schools.
.
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Grasp the importance
of acknowledging historical injustices for reconciliation.
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Identify the
locations of residential schools in Ontario
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Collaborate with
Indigenous learners to address educational gaps.
Requirements
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Understanding:
Reflect on and discuss the implications of the Indian Act and residential
schools on Indigenous communities during synchronous sessions.
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Participation: Participate in group discussions to analyze
the impact of colonial policies on Indigenous cultures and ways of life.
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Keep an Open Mind: Approach discussions on Indigenous
residential schools with an open mind and empathetic understanding.