What was the main goal of the Residential School System in Canada?

The main goal of the Residential School System in Canada was to assimilate Indigenous Peoples into mainstream culture. This system was initiated in the 19th century and aimed to eradicate Indigenous languages, cultures, and identities by placing Indigenous children in institutions where they were often forbidden to speak their native languages or practice their cultural traditions. The belief driving this initiative was rooted in colonization, which viewed Indigenous cultures as inferior and sought to replace them with Euro-Canadian values and societal norms.

This method of assimilation had devastating effects on Indigenous communities, leading to intergenerational trauma and loss of cultural heritage. The system is widely recognized today as a tool of cultural genocide, and the consequences of this forced assimilation continue to impact Indigenous peoples in Canada. Understanding this objective provides crucial context for discussing the historical and ongoing implications of the Residential School System in the broader framework of sociology and Indigenous rights.