Indian Day Schools: The National and Local Story

More than 699 Indian Day Schools were established and operated by the Canadian Government since the 1920s, with an estimation of over 200,000 Indigenous children attending these federally operated institutions. Seven of these schools were located in Bruce County: four at Cape Croker (Sydney Bay, Little Port Elgin, St. Mary’s Junior and St. Mary’s Senior School) and three in Saugeen (French Bay, Saugeen Village and Scotch Settlement). Indian Day Schools is a lesser-known subject among everyday Canadians who may be familiar with the Residential Schools System. What is certain and can be attested to by many Survivors of Indian Day Schools is that the trauma experienced was just as severe as what has been reported in Residential Schools, with the only difference being that the Day School students went home at night. Many of the Day School Administrators, Priests and Nuns, continued to run the Day Schools as soon as they transferred from Residential Schools so it was extremely painful and triggering to find out that they would continue to experience abuse even if the parent saw the children at night. The BCM&CC in partnership with the Legacy of Hope Foundation, Saugeen First Nation, and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation are pleased to bring this exhibition and local perspective to the region. WARNING: This exhibition contains subject matter that may be disturbing to some visitors and may be triggering. Please call 1-866-925-4419 or your local crisis line for counselling and support. Proudly Presented by Enbridge.