The Syilx Okanagan Nation experienced significant impacts from Indian Residential Schools, with many children attending institutions like the Kamloops Indian Residential School and St. Eugene’s Indian Residential School. These schools, designed for assimilation, inflicted deep and lasting trauma on individuals and the community. The schools separated families, suppressed language and culture, and damaged self-esteem, with ongoing effects felt today.

We can celebrate the fact the Indian residential school was a complete and dismal failure. We are still here and we are thriving! Our languages are coming back through our children. Our songs and customs are coming back through our youth. Our traditions are being openly shared by our Elders. Our women are providing the leadership to ensure everything is done in a good way.

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Impacts of Indian Residential School

Indian Residential Schools inflicted deep emotional trauma by separating families, disrupting cultural ties, and damaging self-esteem, leading to cycles of substance abuse and unhealthy family dynamics.

Article, Document | 3 min read