This next section looks at information about Indian residential schools and the words and deeds of Sir John A. MacDonald and Duncan Campbell Scott, Superintendant of Indian Affairs. Many people see Sir John A. MacDonald as Canada's founding father, and that he deserves an important place of honor. Many Indigenous people do not share this feeling. As you read this section you will find that he was the architect of residential schools and shares a huge responsibility in where, how and why they were run.
1. How have your feelings about Canada’s first Prime Minister changed since reading these sections?
Do you think removing his name from buildings contribute to reconciliation or erase history?
2. Compare the success of non-Indigenous farmers in Canada with the hardships and
oppression faced by the Indigenous people who were put onto reserves and forced to farm.
How has this changed your thinking about First Nations and their relationships with
Non-Indigenous communities?
3. What do you think the goals were for the government’s assimilation of “Indians”?
4. To what extent are current social issues faced by some Indigenous people a result of residential
schools?
5. What feelings arose in you when you were reading these sections.
How will you use your new information to guide your instruction in your classroom?
