Page 63 - Restorative Journey: Indigenous Educational Wellness

Years later, Duncan Campbell Scott then- deputy superintendent of the Department of Indian Affairs stated:
“I want to get rid of the Indian problem. I do not think as a matter of fact, that the country ought to continuously protect a class of people who are able to stand alone...
Rhetoric and Discourse within Current Understandings
Some have argued that what is described in this resource is simply historical. However, it is not uncommon to hear and read misinformation or perspectives that reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate
a sociopolitical culture that supported residential schools, Federal Indian Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and other similar policies. These include
• Canadianshonourallculturesequally, treaties are not necessary
• Treatiescanonlybemadebetween nations, and First Nations treaties should be rescinded
• ItisunpatrioticthatsomeFirstNations people refuse to stand for the national anthem
• FirstNationsdonotpaytaxes
Our objective is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed into the body politic and there is no Indian question, and no Indian Department...”.
(Facing History and Ourselves, n.d., paragraph 3).
• Residential schools were a product of a particular era. They no longer exist, and we should move on
• Residential schools were not all bad. We should recognize that good things happened there as well
• The intent of residential schools was simply educational
• The Sixties Scoop happened in the 60s and we need move on
• The Federal Indian Day School system was not intended to support cultural genocide
• The Federal Indian Day School was something of the past and we need to move on
Commemoration • Education • Healing/Wellness 55