Effect of Residential School Experience on Indigenous People Health.
Abstract
The rationale of this research is to explore the connection between residential schools and its impact on indigenous people physical, emotional, mental health. Further research will demonstrate how residential schools influence the wellbeing of indigenous people. It also aims to explore the strong connection and impact of such institutions on intergeneration of indigenous people. The paper will identify the impacts and effects of such schools on physical, mental and psychosocial health of these four generations of indigenous communities living in Canada.
Effect of Residential School Experience on Indigenous People Health.
Introduction
Canada is considered to be one of the prosperous countries in the world. But in the midst of progression and prosperity the rights of indigenous people in the country are still overlooked. The establishment of residential schools has been the key source of disparity between the Whites and indigenous people. Residential schools were established to assimilate inhabitant people in the country. It was a place where the children of residential families were forced to place in so that they can learn the culture and language of the whites and can convert into true Canadian citizens. In Canada, indigenous people have confronted cultural and educational repression through forced assimilation policies which were a part of Euro-Canadian institutions.
Thesis Statement
Effects of residential school experience on indigenous people health
Discussion
Eliasa, Hala, Honga et al conducted research on the behavior of the Canadian indigenous people. The investigators illustrated that the presence of the Indian residential school in Canada giving a bad impression on the indigenous people. By conducting a qualitative study, they defined the different behavioral attitude of the people. The reported behavior includes suicide, trauma, subsequent abuse and other allied activities. These factors are affecting the four generations of the indigenous Canadians encompassing children and grandchildren. The study demonstrates the impact on mental health of the Canadian population (Eliasa, Hala, Honga et al, 2012).
Residential Schools
The residential schools dates back to 1870s, and were established by Canadian government to foster Christianity and Canadian cultural beliefs in indigenous people. Residential schools were funded by government and religious institutions of Canada. The families were forced to send their children in these schools (Shenker, 2008). The families that refused to do so were imprisoned and were forced to follow the rule. These schools were like boarding schools whose purpose was to assimilate the children into the culture of the society they were residing in the country away from their parents and culture (Chansonneuve, 2005).
The overall impact of these schools on young minds and health of the indigenous population are said to be adverse and destructive. Children who had studied in these schools often came out with low self-esteem and confidence and worst mental and physical health (Shenker, 2008). The residential schools operated in the era between 1892 and 1969, but government run schools lasted by the year of 1998.
Rationale of Residential Schools
The main rationale of residential schools in Canada was to convert the children of indigenous families into ...