What was the purpose of indian school?

The purpose of Indian residential schools, also known as Indigenous boarding schools, was to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children into Canadian (and in other countries, similar national) culture. This was achieved through a systematic process that aimed to erase Indigenous languages, cultures, spiritual beliefs, and family ties.

While the stated purpose often involved education and vocational training, the true goal was cultural genocide. The schools were designed to:

* Suppress Indigenous languages and cultures: Children were forbidden from speaking their native languages and were punished severely for doing so. Traditional clothing, ceremonies, and practices were prohibited.

* Sever family ties: Children were often taken from their families at a young age and kept at the schools for extended periods, with limited or no contact with their loved ones. This contributed significantly to intergenerational trauma.

* Christianize Indigenous populations: Many schools were run by religious orders and focused heavily on Christian indoctrination.

* Prepare Indigenous people for assimilation into Canadian society: The education provided was often minimal and aimed at preparing children for low-skilled labour, rather than fostering academic achievement or self-determination.

In short, the "purpose" of Indian residential schools was cultural destruction and the systematic eradication of Indigenous identity and self-determination. The lasting effects of these schools continue to impact Indigenous communities across generations.