Ontario is home to the largest Indigenous population among all Canadian provinces. However, only 406,585 individuals identify as Indigenous in Ontario, and there are approximately 1.8 million Indigenous people across Canada—a population smaller than many other racial groups.

While students in Canada’s K-12 education system learn about the origins of Canadian culture—including the Indigenous communities, who are the original inhabitants of the land—and the painful history of Residential Schools, many international students pursuing post-secondary education may find themselves disconnected from this important part of Canada’s history.

By the end of this article, you will gain an understanding of the decline in the Indigenous population and the efforts within the educational system to preserve and reconcile Indigenous heritage for future generations.

What is a Residential School?

Residential schools were government-sponsored religious institutions designed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture through forced assimilation, often referred to as “whitewashing.” These schools, operated by priests and nuns, subjected Indigenous children to physical, emotional, and cultural abuse. Children were forcibly removed from their families, prohibited from practising their culture and traditions, and were isolated from their identities.

These schools operated from 1831 to 1997, spanning over 160 years, and became a significant factor in the decline of the Indigenous population. To this day, many survivors of residential schools continue to endure the trauma caused by these institutions. Additionally, a vast number of children went missing during this dark chapter in Canadian history.

What is Orange Shirt Day?

Observed annually on September 30th, Orange Shirt Day is a day when Indigenous communities and Canadians come together to commemorate the loss of children who were taken to residential schools and to support the healing journeys of survivors.

According to the Orange Shirt Society, the date was chosen because it aligns with the time of year when Indigenous children were historically removed from their homes to attend residential schools. It serves as an opportunity for everyone, including government representatives, to reflect, reconcile, and foster hope for the future.

A Word from the Government of Ontario

“Ontario is working with Indigenous partners to address the legacy of residential schools, close gaps and remove barriers, support Indigenous culture, and reconcile relationships with Indigenous peoples. Ontario will invest more than $250 million over the next three years on programs and actions focused on reconciliation, which will be developed and evaluated in close partnership with their Indigenous partners.” (Government of Ontario)

Resources: Government of Ontario, The Canadian Encyclopedia , Orange Shirt society