This post and the exhibit discussed contains subject matter that may be disturbing to some visitors, especially to Survivors of the Residential School System. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line for former Residential School students is available at 1-866-925-4419. Immediate emotional support is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada. Call the Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at: http://hopeforwellness.ca.

It’s estimated that 10% of children taken to residential schools were Métis. Their experience is different, while children often endured the same neglect and abuse. The Forgotten: The Métis Residential School Experience exhibit documents and gives voice to the experiences of the many Métis children who attended these schools and explores Métis identity, cultural reclamation, and healing.

From September 23 to October 3, we’re hosting this Legacy of Hope travelling exhibit in our 3rd floor boardroom at 765 Main in the Social Enterprise Centre as a part of Culture Days and to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

Everyone is welcome to come and view the exhibit. There is no fee to attend. As we are on the 3rd Floor in a walk-up building, please call ahead for accessibility arrangements to ease your visit as required.

Métis children remember being the “outsiders” to the residential schools. In some cases they were told they were too white for the Indian schools or in other cases they were told they were too Indian for the provincial school system.

In 1911, the Department of Indian Affairs created “classification of Halfbreeds.” Only “Halfbreeds” living like Indians or “worse off than Indians” could be admitted to residential schools.