Projects & Programs
100 Years of Loss - The Residential School System in Canada
In 2010-2011 the Legacy of Hope Foundation developed two new educational products targeted to Canadian youth aged 11-18. Both products were designed to support educators and administrators in raising awareness and teaching about the history and legacy of residential schools - effectively providing practical tools that can be implemented in classrooms beginning January 2012. These products come in response to demands from educators for complete in-class resources, and serve as an entry point to both the subject matter and to existing resources currently available at www.wherearethechildren.ca.
While the LHF and its partners are engaged in efforts at the provincial/territorial level to facilitate the development of curriculum on the history and legacy of residential schools across Canada, these products serve the immediate needs of educators.
Consisting of eight thematic pods (4 in each official language), and a wavy wall that presents interweaving timelines, this educational resource lends itself to week-long activities or events, such as Aboriginal Awareness Week.
Want to know more about borrowing this exbibition? Contact our Exhibitions Manager for more information.
The Edu-Kit and the mobile exhibition can be used together or as stand-alone resources. Together withonline resources, these new products provide ample means by which educators can increasingly integrate information on the Residential School System and its impacts into their course offerings.
Both the Edu-Kit, which targets grades 7-10, and the mobile exhibition and workshop which targets grades 9-12, promote an understanding of the history and legacy of residentials schools, sensitize and educate young Canadian including Aboriginal, non-Aboriginal and new Canadians, challenges stereotypes and contribute to shifting opinions that foster inquiry, dialogue, and action. The workshop process, whether using the activities-based Edu-Kit or the inquiry, research, and discussion-based mobile exhibition workshop, is designed to take youth throught the spectrum of awareness, to sensitization, to understanding, and finally to action that has the potential, and indeed initiates the process of reconciliation. In terms of targeting youth, the LHF considers: the potential for making the greatest impact in shifting opinions and values during a time of intense learning and inquiry before viewpoints may become entrenched; the level of maturity required to cope with learning difficult subject matter in a comprehensive manner.
These products were developed with assistance from the Department of Canadian Heritage (Museum Assistance Program) and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (Advocacy and Public Information Program).
Visit the Education & Outreach page for more information about curriculum development.
