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Hey Friend,
Did you know that European settlers in Canada separated indigenous kids from their families to be educated and "civilized". Thousands of kids died -- the history is tragic and shameful.
Such schools were present wherever there was colonization -- Australia, Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, the Middle East, African nations, Russia, China, even India.
And they aren't a bygone relic either; boarding schools for indigenous kids continue in India to this day, though with new justifications (like bringing them into our economy so they can earn; not that we can fault that, can we?). Sometimes there are horror stories.
There can be long-term trauma associated with the displacement from one's culture, especially through boarding schools where abuse can go unnoticed. The targets are marginalized kids, after all.
About 5 years ago, I reported in Yellowknife, Canada, which is located in ancient Chief Drygeese territory. This region is home to First Nations, Metis and Inuit people. There was an unpoliced border between the city and the reservation that was visible in the sharp drop in posh-ness of the landscape, as multi-million dollar homes were replaced by prefabricated dwellings, pot-holed roads and a general vibe of discontent. My guide was filled with deep anger and resentment toward Canada, which is tying itself in knots trying to right past wrongs. It is a stark warning for other nations, like India, that are going down this path.
In this episode, we'll talk about the deep shame of indigenous boarding schools -- in America, India and other places.
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