Aboriginal Canadians have an excessive history of mistreatment and discrimination in Canada. In modern society, this is considered a sad chapter in Canadian history. The multiple effects of Indian residential school systems have revealed racism within the Canadian government. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Indian residential schools had two objectives; separate Aboriginal children from the influence of their culture and instill the ways of the dominant Euro-Canadian culture. This was based on the belief that Aboriginal culture was savage and inferior, or popularly described as "Kill the Indian in the child". We have forcibly subjected approximately 150,000 children, or 30% of Aboriginal children, to this policy. The children were prohibited from speaking their cultural language or practicing their Aboriginal customs. The children had a standard, uniform appearance with cropped hair and European clothing. They had to participate in church festivals and rituals. Students who refused to comply were often punished with physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Poor funding of Indian residential schools led to inadequate facilities (e.g. lack of heating and ventilation), poor quality of education (e.g. unqualified teachers), and dropout. of children's primary survival needs (e.g. lack of clothing, food). Overcrowding in schools was a common incident and often led to illness and/or death. Estimates of the mortality rate in Indian residential schools are around fifty percent. Despite this, some former students spoke positively about their experiences in residential schools, however this view of the schools was overshadowed. The Indian Residential Schools policy has a detrimental and lasting effect on the Aboriginal community. The abuse experienced was found to be comparable to the high prevalence of mental illnesses (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder and depression), alcoholism, substance abuse and suicide among former students. The cultural stigma created by Indian residential schools has created an intergenerational effect. This includes personal trauma, loss of indigenous language and culture, and lack of a nurturing family life. The isolation of children from a family has created not only a cultural and linguistic gap, but a lack of adequate parenting skills and has perpetuated the cycle of abuse. The high incidence of domestic violence among Aboriginal families results in many unhealthy family relationships. Aboriginal children believe they belong to neither side, as they are not truly Aboriginal, nor are they part of the mainstream society. Former students faced non-acceptance and discrimination from both companies. Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued an apology on behalf of all Canadians to former residential school students. “Today we recognize that this policy of assimilation was wrong, caused great harm and has no place in our country.” He stated on June 11, 2008: "The Government of Canada sincerely apologizes and asks for forgiveness from the Aboriginal people of this country for having failed them so profoundly." The goal of the apology was to acknowledge responsibility for the effects of the Indian Residential Schools and lay the foundation for healing the relationship between Aboriginal people and Canadians. (Canada. Parliament of Canada 2008). Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The implementation of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement began on September 19, 2007. The agreement..