* Cultural Destruction: The primary goal was to assimilate Indigenous children into dominant European culture, forcibly removing them from their families and communities. This involved suppressing Indigenous languages, spiritual practices, and traditional ways of life. Children were punished for speaking their native languages or engaging in cultural activities. This severing of cultural connection caused immense psychological harm and intergenerational trauma.
* Physical and Sexual Abuse: Widespread accounts detail rampant physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by staff. Children were subjected to beatings, starvation, and other forms of cruelty. Sexual abuse was particularly prevalent and often went unreported due to power imbalances and fear of further retribution.
* Neglect and Poor Living Conditions: Schools often lacked adequate food, healthcare, and sanitation, leading to high rates of illness and death among children. Children were frequently malnourished and lacked proper medical care.
* Loss of Family and Community Ties: The forced separation from families resulted in the disruption of familial bonds and cultural transmission. Children were often unable to maintain contact with their parents and siblings, leading to feelings of abandonment and loss. Many never saw their families again.
* Educational Inequality: While ostensibly intended to provide education, the schools often failed to deliver a quality education. The curriculum was frequently inadequate and didn't meet the needs or interests of Indigenous children. The focus was on assimilation, not genuine learning.
* Long-Term Impacts: The intergenerational trauma resulting from residential schools continues to affect Indigenous communities today. High rates of poverty, addiction, mental health issues, and family breakdown are linked to the legacy of residential schools.
It's important to understand that these weren't isolated incidents but rather systematic consequences of a government policy designed to eliminate Indigenous cultures and identities. The lasting effects are profound and continue to demand acknowledgement, reconciliation, and redress.