From their stories, we also understand the long - term impacts on the survivors and their communities. It includes psychological traumas like PTSD, loss of cultural identity, and difficulties in building normal family and social relationships. For example, many survivors have struggled with alcoholism or depression as a result of their experiences in those schools. And by listening to them, we are reminded of the importance of respecting different cultures and ensuring such atrocities never happen again.
We can learn about the great pain and trauma they endured. Their stories show the inhumane treatment in residential schools, like forced assimilation, separation from families, and cultural suppression. It makes us realize the importance of respecting indigenous cultures and rights, and also serves as a reminder to never let such atrocities happen again.
We can learn about the importance of proper oversight in institutions. The Dozier School shows what can go wrong when there is no proper check on those in power.
Museums can also play a role. They can create exhibits dedicated to the survivors' stories. These exhibits can include photos, artifacts related to the schools, and personal items of the survivors. By doing so, the public can visit and learn about these important stories, ensuring that they are not forgotten.
Educational institutions should include these stories in their curriculums. By teaching about the residential school survivors' experiences, students can learn about this important part of Canadian history, and it also helps to keep the stories alive. Also, writing books and making documentaries about these stories can also be effective means of preservation.
We can preserve these stories through oral history projects. Encourage survivors to share their experiences with the younger generations. Record their voices and make these recordings publicly available.
Many survivors talk about the poor living conditions in residential schools. They were given meager food rations, and the dormitories were overcrowded and unhygienic. For example, some children got sick frequently but received little medical care. Their stories highlight the inhumane treatment they faced.
One way is through oral history projects. Encourage survivors to share their stories directly with the community and record them. This way, the stories are passed down in their own words.
One way is through oral history projects. People can interview survivors and record their stories in audio or video formats. This ensures that their first - hand accounts are directly passed on.
There are survivors who talk about the poor living conditions in those schools. They were given meager food rations, and the dormitories were overcrowded. Many children fell ill frequently due to the lack of proper healthcare. For example, a survivor named Mary recalls how she was often cold at night because there were not enough blankets. These experiences left deep scars on them.
Some survivors' stories include tales of forced separation from their families at a very young age. They were made to abandon their native languages, cultures and traditions. For example, many were punished severely for speaking their indigenous languages.