Our Work We pursue justice and healing for the families and survivors of residential institutions.
The discoveries of the remains of children at former Indian Residential School sites has opened new questions on what Canada is doing about unmarked graves and intergenerational impacts from Residential Schools. The AFN’s Rights & Justice Sector seeks accountability and culturally-appropriate healing supports for First Nations, and to mend their relationship with Canada.
Trigger Warning (TW)
Between the 1860s and 1990s, over 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were sent to live at Indian Residential Schools.
The Canadian government removed these children from their families and required them to attend residential institutions operated by religious organizations.
Children attending Indian Residential Schools suffered poor living conditions and horrific abuse.
Many children were inadequately fed, clothed, and housed. Their languages and cultural practices were prohibited. Many were abused, physically, emotionally, and sexually.
The pain and trauma of the Indian Residential School system continues to affect our communities.
Indian residential institutions are a catalyst for racism in Canada. Survivors and families continue to ask the AFN and Canada for support.
The effect of Indian Residential School attendance is intergenerational.
According to a recent study at Laval University Effects of Residential Schools on Health and Socio-economic status.on health is achieving a lower education level.
Initiatives & Priorities The policy areas, initiatives and committees driving change for the families and survivors of Canada's residential institution system.
Vatican Visit Delegation
Nation Chief's Address upon Papal Visit
Investigation into Unmarked Graves
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
Documents The latest resources on this topic.
View All 16 Documentsarrow_forwardThese are our latest reports, resolutions and other documents related to Residential Institutions & Reconciliation. To see more related documents, and all other public AFN documents, visit the Document Library.
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Latest News
View AllAFN Response to the Vatican’s Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery
(Ottawa, ON) – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is welcoming the Vatican’s formal repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery. The 15th-century papal bulls paved the way for colonization of Indigenous lands across Turtle Island. They continue to form the…
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Assembly of First Nations
50 O’Connor Street, Suite 200
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2
Tel: +1 (613) 241-6789
Toll-free: +1 (866) 869-6789
Fax: +1 (613) 241-5808