Director of Kainai Wellness Centre on impact of residential schools

The goal was to indoctrinate the youths into “Euro-Canadian” and Christian ways of life. Many suffered physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in this system as well as other forms of trauma.

The Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement places the number of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit children who died while attending these schools at more than 4,100, although the actual number is likely much higher than that.

“It wasn’t so long ago. We are still affected,” says Fox. “The cultural loss, the land loss, the disconnect with our families, especially our parents and grandparents – not only were the children taken away but the parents and grandparents mourned their children and grandchildren.”

Out of the 139 residential schools in Canada, 26 were in Alberta. Among those, six were in Southern Alberta. The following information in bullet points is provided by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation:

St. Mary’s Residential School (Cardston)
- In operation 1898-1988
- 40 confirmed students who died in school
St. Paul’s Residential School (Cardston)
- In operation 1893-1975
- 75 confirmed students who died in school
Sacred Heart Residential School (Brocket)
- In operation 1887-1961
- 45 confirmed students who died in school
St. Cyprian’s Residential School (Brocket)
- In operation 1890-1961
- Seven confirmed students who died in the school
Old Sun Residential School (Gleichen)
- In operation 1886-1971
- 41 confirmed students who died in the school
St. Joseph’s Residential School (High River)
- In operation 1884-1922
- 12 confirmed students who died in the school

The country’s last residential school, the Gordon Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan, closed in 1996, just 25 years ago. For context for how recent 1996 was, that was the same year the Spice Girls released “Wannabe” and “Mission: Impossible” debuted in theatres.

“Myself, being one generation away from those schools, it directly impacts the memories and, on a spiritual level, I think we’re all connected in that we do feel this sadness, the trauma, the anger, as well as some of the disbelief that this has actually occurred, you know just within the last 50-ish years.”

The Blood Tribe and the Kainai Wellness Centre are planning several activities to commemorate the 215 lives lost.

Banners, teddy bears, ribbons, and balloons are being placed in key locations throughout the First Nation. In the coming days, there will be a ceremony with hand drummers.

Community members will also be going to the former residential schools in the Cardston area for ceremonies later this week.

“This is our little way of connecting on a spiritual level, standing in solidarity with our relatives, you know, the Four Directions, as well bringing it home to our community, to our members. To let them know that we are active, we are here, they are not alone in it, and to really promote reconciliation on an individual and collective level.”

Fox is urging all levels of government to continue to align themselves with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s and MMIWG’s calls to action. She adds that simple platitudes and gestures are not and will not be enough.

Fox has a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Calgary and did her dissertation on the topic of residential schools.

Given her educational background, she says she would like to believe that she has developed the coping mechanisms to be able to handle tragic news such as this, but she knows that not everyone is in the same boat.

The Kainai Wellness Centre’s main emotional support and grief counselling line is open between 8:30 and 4:30 pm at 403-737-3883. After hours, the Crisis Team can be reached at 403-894-7002.

The national Indian Residential School Crisis Line can be accessed 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419.

by David Opinko

Director of Kainai Wellness Centre on impact of residential schools

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