Intergenerational Impacts
First
Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were often away from their parents for long
periods of time and this prevented the discovering and learning of valuable
parenting skills. The removal of children from their homes also prevented the
transmission of language and culture, resulting in many Aboriginal people who
do not speak their traditional language and/or who are not familiar with their
culture.
Adaptation of abusive behaviours learned from residential school
has also occurred and caused intergenerational trauma – the cycle of abuse and
trauma from one generation to the next. Research on intergenerational
transmission of trauma makes it clear that individuals who have suffered the
effects of traumatic stress pass it on to those close to them and generate
vulnerability in their children. The children in turn experience their own
trauma.
The system of
forced assimilation has had consequences which are with Aboriginal people
today. The need for healing does not stop with the school Survivors -
intergenerational effects of trauma are real and pervasive and must also be
addressed.
