In the late 1800s, more than 100,000 Canadian First Nations children were taken from their families and communities and forced to attend residential schools far from home. These children suffered emotional, physical, sexual and spiritual abuse, but they suffered the worst punishment because they spoke their indigenous language. The imposition of residential schools on First Nation children has led to a significant loss of Indigenous languages. This also affects family relationships and has also distanced many First Nations people from their traditional belief systems which has turned them into completely different people. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The imposition of residential schools on First Nation children has led to a significant loss of Indigenous languages. Removed from their families at a young age, the children did not have the opportunity to become familiar with their native language. In the residential schools only English and French could be spoken. Children were mistreated and punished for speaking their language. A survivor of residential schools reported priests and nuns being punched, slapped, verbally abused (Knockwood, 1992, p.99), and even students were beaten or even had needles stuck in their tongues if they were caught talking between them in their own language. languages. In the face of this abuse, many children quickly lost the ability to speak their indigenous language. The loss of indigenous languages has negatively affected family relationships.” Older brothers were separated from younger brothers, older sisters were separated from younger sisters, and brothers and sisters were separated from each other” (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2016, p.41) and were not allowed seeing or speaking to each other Parents also faced stress and guilt over giving their children away. Some of them believed it was for the betterment of their lives, but others knew that this was not what caused them to turn to alcohol for support. When and if children have the chance to reunite with family, it is difficult for them to communicate due to the difference in each other's language which makes communication very difficult within families. The loss of the ability to speak their indigenous languages has affected their negative relationships with their families. In addition to damaging family and community relationships, the loss of Indigenous languages has also alienated many First Nations peoples from their traditional belief systems. First Nations people are very spiritual and sacred. They believe that all life is spiritual and love connecting with nature. Without knowledge of their traditional languages, young people could not learn the physical beliefs of their people, which are transmitted orally by elders through myths and rituals. Without access to elders' knowledge of nature, young people have lost access to the beliefs and practices their people have developed over thousands of years. Therefore, the loss of language has led to the loss of traditional spiritual beliefs and connection with nature. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom EssayForcing residential schools for First Nation children has led to a significant loss of Indigenous languages. This also affects family relationships and has also distanced many First Nations people from their traditional belief systems that have them.
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