Métis Memories of Residential Schools
A Testament to the Strength of the Métis
Tile #9
Innocence
Innocence Betrayed
Teaching Statement:
Residential schools modelled the systemic devaluation of Indigenous children. Métis children were referred to as “half-breeds” whose physical attributes (including skin colour) and socio-economic standing (many living on road allowances due to forced relocation from homelands and scrip fraud resulting in landlessness) determined how they were treated.
Reflective Questions:
Should people be treated differently based on what they look like or what cultural practices they hold? What does “the only race is the human race mean”?
If you were raised in a residential school, how do you think you would learn how to be a parent? What would you have learned about parenting in residential school?
Learn more:
Research Residential Schools that were located in your area
K-4 Orange Shirt Day lesson plan
Grades 5+ Orange Shirt Day lesson plan
For more information
Métis Experiences at Residential School
Forgotten Metis – Legacy of Hope Foundation
Anti-Racism Educator Jane Elliott: ‘There’s Only One Race. The Human Race
