7.6.3 Percentage of First Nations youth aged 12 to 17 years who had at least one parent or one grandparent attend a residential school, Canada, 2015/2016
| At least one parent attended | At least one grandparent attended | |
|---|---|---|
| Attended a Residential School | 18 | 65.4 |
The youth survey covered First Nations youth 12-17 years old, and therefore represents a large proportion of the school-aged population living on reserve and in northern First Nations communities.
Source: CICH graphic created using data adapted from the First Nations Information Governance Centre, National Report of the First Nations Regional Health Survey Phase 3: Volume One, (Ottawa: 2018). 200 pages. Published in March 2018.
In 2015/2016, 18% of First Nations youth aged 12 to 17 years had at least one parent who attended a residential school.
65% had at least one grandparent who attended a residential school.
Implications
The findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission clearly demonstrated that the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools continues to the present time. It has resulted in significant disparities in education, income and health between Indigenous people and other Canadians. The Commission reported that the survivors are not the only ones whose lives have been disrupted and scarred by the residential schools, but also their children, grandchildren, extended families and communities have been affected. Some children who were abused in the schools abused others. Some lacked parenting skills as a result of not having been parented. Some developed addictions as a means of coping – with significant impacts to the health and well-being of their families.
Source: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). The Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission – accessed November 14, 2018.