The Canadian Residential School System: Cultural Genocide, Linguistic Impacts and Reparations

The Indigenous Residential School System (RSS) operated in Canada for over 150 years, aiming to assimilate Indigenous children and contributing to the erasure of Indigenous languages and cultures, a process that can be linked to cultural genocide. This thesis explores reparation efforts, focusing on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action 13 to 17, which target Language and Culture. This study investigates the intricate historical context that led to the RSS, the legal context surrounding the beginning of reparation actions, the measures taken by all levels of government in Canada to achieve the TRC's Calls to Action 13 to 17, and finally an analysis of the public's views of these reparation undertakings. Given the long-lasting impact of the RSS and the historical lack of awareness among Canadians, understanding public opinion on these reparations is crucial to evaluating their effectiveness. Using a survey methodology, this research assesses Canadians' knowledge of the RSS and their views on the adequacy of governmental actions. These insights are vital for guiding future policies and ensuring meaningful progress in Indigenous language revitalization.