Residential Schools
Books & Educator Guides
Truth and Reconciliation Week: September 23 - October 3, 2024
Resources for the Classroom
Books for the Classroom in All Schools
Primary Classes
You Hold Me Up Author's Note
When We Were Alone Pronunciations
When We Were Alone Teacher Guide by David Robertson
Primary/Junior Classes
Junior/Intermediate Classes
Speaking Our Truth Teacher's Guide
Intermediate/Senior Classes
Poetry
I Lost My Talk is based on the poem by Mi'kmaw elder and poet Rita Joe, C.M. Rita Joe penned her poem to express not only the pain and suffering she experienced at Schubenacadie Residential School in Nova Scotia, but also her hope and conviction that her words could guide and inspire indigenous and non-indigenous peoples across Canada to journey to a place of strength and healing.
I Lost My Talk by Rita Joe
Senior Classes
Online Guides & Resources
Child-friendly Guide to the Calls to Action
Voices From Here Video Series and Interactive Text
Facing History Downloadable PDF Resource in English & French
The bodies of the 215 children found marks an important time in history where the truth that was always known was undeniable. This marked the beginning of bringing the children home across the nation.
Meaningful Reconciliation & Taking Action
This unit explores the causes and consequences of residential schools in Canada. Developed in collaboration with Grand Erie District School Board, Six Nations of the Grand River’s Education Department, and the Mississaugas of New Credit, this resource supports educators and learners in using a critical-inquiry approach to develop deep understandings of some of the complex, challenging, and painful events that have affected the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. This resource invites thoughtful and reflective explorations that move us beyond understanding the past and into our roles and responsibilities in the present. Designed for grade six and up.
Take Action Together!
Use this template to get started with writing a letter to advocate for change!
Online Resources
Use tiles as a reflection tool and commemoration exhibit to honor those who attended Residential Schools and their families. Click on the title above / image below and the pdf beside to view classroom/school ideas.
You Hold Me Up, read by author Monique Gray Smith
The Secret Path
Gord Downie, the lead singer of the Canadian band, The Tragically Hip, is bringing attention to one of the most haunting legacies in our country's history - the residential school system and the children and families who were affected by it all. Downie released a multimedia project called The Secret Path, which consists of an album with 10 new songs, and a graphic novel by Jeff Lemire. The project is devoted to sharing the story of 12 year old Chanie Wenjack, an Anishinabe boy who died from hunger and exposure after escaping from his residential school to try and find his way home.