An introduction to Canadian Residential Schools
An introduction to Canadian Residential Schools
On July 13 and 15, Know History hosted an introductory webinar explaining the history of the residential school system in Canada, its origins, policies, and impacts. Over 2,000 people registered for the presentation that described the role of both the federal government, and the missionaries and churches who ran the schools.
The presenters discussed the experiences of children who attended the schools, and the impacts this system had on Indigenous communities. The presentation also looked specifically at the history of the Mohawk Institute in Brantford, Ontario, and the important work of survivors to educate the public about their experiences today.
We acknowledge that the information that will be shared in this presentation can be triggering and result in unpleasant thoughts and feelings. We encourage you to practice self-care and reach out to your community for support. You can contact the Indian Residential School Survivors Society toll-free 1 (800) 721-0066 or 24hr Crisis Line 1 (866) 925-4419 if you require assistance.
Event Details
July 13th at 7 pm EST – Register here: https://knowhistory.co/WebinarJuly13
July 15th at 12:30 pm EST – Register here: https://knowhistory.co/WebinarJuly15
Speakers
Elder Rick Hill, Beaver Clan of the Tuscarora Nation of the Haudenosaunee at Grand River
Rick Hill is a citizen of the Beaver Clan of the Tuscarora Nation of the Haudenosaunee at Grand River. He holds a master’s degree in American Studies from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo. He was the Assistant Director for Public Programs at the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution; Museum Director at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Assistant Professor, Native American Studies, at SUNY Buffalo. He also served as Senior Project Coordinator for the Deyohahá:ge: Indigenous Knowledge Centre at Six Nations Polytechnic, Ohsweken, Ontario. Currently, he is the Indigenous Innovation Specialist at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario. Rick is working with a group of historians on a book that will examine the history and legacy of the Mohawk Institute, the oldest Indian residential school in Canada.
Dr. Alison Norman, Senior Historian at Know History
Alison Norman is a Senior Historian, specializing in Indigenous History, at Know History Inc. She received both her BA and MA in History at Queen’s University, before completing her BEd at the University of Toronto. In 2010, she completed her PhD in the History of Education, also at the University of Toronto. For several years, she worked as a Research Advisor with the Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, conducting research for Ontario’s land claims process and providing advice to the government on Indigenous history, issues, and lands. In 2011 and 2012, she worked as a researcher for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Indian Residential Schools. In 2020, Rick Hill brought Alison and several other scholars together to form the Mohawk Institute Research Group. Through this initiative, they are co-editing a book on the history of the Mohawk Institute with Six Nations community members and academics.
Ryan Shackleton, Director at Know History
Ryan is the Director and founder of Know History. He has 20 years of experience in public history and has worked on hundreds of Canadian historical projects mainly focused on Indigenous issues, including Truth Commissions, Residential School Files, Land Claims, Flooding Claims, and expert reports for Indigenous Nations commissioned by legal firms. Ryan is a peer-reviewed author and has been a principal writer for Traditional Land Use reports and historical research reports. He sits on several national boards and received an Excellence in Consulting Award in 2018 from the American-based National Council on Public History.
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