More than 130 residential schools operated across Canada. The schools were a deliberate attempt to destroy Indigenous communities and ways of life. They were part of a broader process of colonization and genocide.
In this guide, you will find links to resources related to the residential school system and the stories of children who were taken from their families and sent to residential schools. Resources include websites, books, community and support organizations, and more. For further assistance, please contact the Museum’s Carte International Reference Centre at reference.centre@humanrights.ca.
Difficult subjects are discussed in some of the materials found in this guide, including but not limited to genocide, violence and sexual violence against children, and other traumatic events. If you are a residential school Survivor or family member in need of emotional support, a national crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1–866-925‑4419.
The Carte International Reference Centre is not responsible for the content of external links. Inclusion of material in this resource guide does not necessarily represent an endorsement of the views expressed. Material is presented in the language in which it was originally produced.