The chapter this week focused on the historical overview of education in Canada. I had a bit of background as to the origins of Upper and Lower Canada because of my geography minor background. However, this reading gave me greater understanding as to the education systems that occurred in each region. I learned that Egerton Ryerson is known for being behind creating the public school system in Canada. He created the Common School Act, which he drafted in 1846 (pg. 58). Ryerson was very influential in the education system in Canada.
Something I found really interesting was reading about the residential schooling. I am currently taking an Aboriginal Education class as my elective. From that class, this reading, and watching the residential school documentary in our School and Society, I have learned more about residential schools in this past week than I have ever before. The film and my speaker from my class really gave me an insight as to personal experiences of residential schools. This information gives me greater understanding and empathy towards the people who were forced to attend these schools. According to the text, Canadian politicians thought Aboriginal children need to be assimilated to “white culture”, a principle called “aggressive civilization” (pg.72). It’s sad to think that Aboriginal people were not thought of as equals, but people who needed to be civilized. Something that is surprising is that I was six years old when that the last residential only closed, which was in 1996 (pg. 75).
Discussion Question: How do we teach and address to topic of residential schools in a sensitive manner to our students?
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