A local committee dedicated to discussing the experiences of aboriginal people who attended residential schools is hoping an exhibit in Owen Sound will bring further awareness and understanding.
Where are the Children? Healing the Legacy of the Residential Schools is a photo exhibit that is on display at the Tom Thomson Memorial Art Gallery in Owen Sound until March 1st.
Restoring the Circle and Chippewas of Nawash member Susan Schank says they want everyone to know about the residential school experience and how it continues to have intergenerational effects on aboriginal people.
Schank says with two first nations located in Bruce County, the issue is very relevant to both native and non-native people in the area.
She says some of the intergenerational effects in the aboriginal community include problem gambling and addictions to drugs and alcohol.
Schank says non-native people see the problems with gambling, drinking, and smoking among native people and don’t understand how it’s the consequence of negative experiences in residential schools.
The exhibit features 77 photos on loan from Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa showing aboriginal children at residential school.
The federal government residential school program took aboriginal children away from their families and communities.
Part of the goal was to assimilate them into non-aboriginal society and culture.
Many of the students experienced physical and sexual abuse.
The residential schools were operated by religious organizations, the last one closed in the late 1980’s.