Education
Curve Lake’s Day School History Unveils Indigenous Resilience
The history of the Curve Lake Indian Day School reflects a profound narrative of Indigenous activism against the backdrop of colonial educational practices. Chief Elsie Knott, the first female chief of a First Nation in Canada, took a stand against the Indian Day School system based on her own negative experiences. In her efforts to provide better educational opportunities for Indigenous children, she purchased a retired hearse to transport students from Curve Lake to the public school in Lakefield, Ontario. This initiative eventually evolved into a community-run bus service that continues to operate today.
These efforts are chronicled in the book Students By Day: Colonialism and Resistance at the Curve Lake Day School, authored by Jackson Pind. This publication, the first in Ontario to focus on an Indian Day School, emerged from Pind’s doctoral research and extensive collaboration with Survivors, families, and community leaders from Curve Lake First Nation. It highlights not only the harms inflicted by the day school system but also the community’s creativity and resistance in safeguarding their children’s well-being.
Uncovering the Impact of Day Schools
While many Canadians are familiar with residential schools, far fewer recognize the significant impact of day schools. More Indigenous children attended day schools than their residential counterparts. These institutions, which were managed by churches and funded by the federal government, were marked by inadequate educational resources and assimilationist policies aimed at erasing Indigenous languages and cultures.
Despite the magnitude of these issues, the federal settlement for day school Survivors was only finalized in 2019, over a decade after the settlement for residential schools. To date, no formal apology has been issued by the churches involved, nor has there been a dedicated commission of inquiry into the day school system. This lack of acknowledgment underscores a crucial gap in public understanding, which motivated Pind to undertake his research.
Researching with the Community
Pind’s connection to Curve Lake First Nation runs deep, and he initiated his project with the support of then-Chief Emily Whetung and the local council in 2020. With their guidance, he explored approximately 10,000 archival files at Library and Archives Canada and complemented these records with oral histories shared by Survivors eager to tell their stories. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated adjustments to in-person research, but when opportunities arose to return to Curve Lake, five Survivors came forward to share their experiences. Their bravery in recounting difficult memories was instrumental in bringing this book to fruition.
The archives are filled with letters from Curve Lake dating back to the 19th century, in which community leaders advocated for better pay for teachers, requested Indigenous educators, and sought to establish their own school boards. These documents reveal a determined community that worked within a restrictive system to advocate for the educational needs of their children.
Stories of Resistance and Resilience
Pind’s research unveils not only a record of harm but also a narrative of resilience. A letter from an Indian agent in the 1920s notes the community’s commitment to preserving their language, stating, “one of the chief holdbacks of the Chemong (Curve Lake School) is the determination of parents to stick to their own language.” Parents consistently resisted the imposition of English-only education, fostering the use of the Anishinaabeowin language outside the classroom. This community-driven resistance complicates the prevailing narrative of Indigenous schooling as solely a tale of trauma.
While acknowledging the lasting harm caused by these institutions, Pind emphasizes acts of agency, resilience, and a vision for cultural preservation that emerged amid challenges.
The Path Toward Reconciliation
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has drawn attention to the disparities in educational access and quality for Indigenous communities. Today, Curve Lake’s school has been locally operated since the early 1980s, yet funding formulas still leave First Nation schools significantly underfunded compared to provincial counterparts.
As part of the 2019 class-action settlement with Indian Day School Survivors, a $200 million legacy fund was established to support healing, language revitalization, and commemoration efforts. The federal government has also begun digitizing over six million documents related to day schools, with approximately 800,000 currently accessible. These resources will be invaluable for communities seeking to reclaim their histories.
As Survivors have consistently reminded us, reconciliation extends beyond documentation and apologies; it requires tangible action. Understanding the role of Indian Day Schools, listening to Survivors, and addressing the ongoing inequalities in education are critical steps in Canada’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation.
Jackson Pind receives funding from the Social Humanities Research Council of Canada, underscoring the importance of continued research and advocacy for Indigenous communities.
-
Lifestyle2 months agoWinnipeg Celebrates Culinary Creativity During Le Burger Week 2025
-
Health3 months agoMontreal’s Groupe Marcelle Leads Canadian Cosmetic Industry Growth
-
Science3 months agoMicrosoft Confirms U.S. Law Overrules Canadian Data Sovereignty
-
Education2 months agoBrandon University’s Failed $5 Million Project Sparks Oversight Review
-
Science3 months agoTech Innovator Amandipp Singh Transforms Hiring for Disabled
-
Education2 months agoRed River College Launches New Programs to Address Industry Needs
-
Technology2 months agoDragon Ball: Sparking! Zero Launching on Switch and Switch 2 This November
-
Technology3 weeks agoDiscord Faces Serious Security Breach Affecting Millions
-
Technology3 months agoGoogle Pixel 10 Pro Fold Specs Unveiled Ahead of Launch
-
Science2 months agoChina’s Wukong Spacesuit Sets New Standard for AI in Space
-
Education2 months agoAlberta Teachers’ Strike: Potential Impacts on Students and Families
-
Technology3 months agoWorld of Warcraft Players Buzz Over 19-Quest Bee Challenge
-
Business2 months agoRocket Lab Reports Strong Q2 2025 Revenue Growth and Future Plans
-
Technology3 weeks agoHuawei MatePad 12X Redefines Tablet Experience for Professionals
-
Business2 months agoDawson City Residents Rally Around Buy Canadian Movement
-
Business3 months agoNew Estimates Reveal ChatGPT-5 Energy Use Could Soar
-
Technology3 months agoFuture Entertainment Launches DDoD with Gameplay Trailer Showcase
-
Science3 months agoXi Labs Innovates with New AI Operating System Set for 2025 Launch
-
Technology3 months agoInnovative 140W GaN Travel Adapter Combines Power and Convenience
-
Business2 months agoBNA Brewing to Open New Bowling Alley in Downtown Penticton
-
Technology2 months agoGlobal Launch of Ragnarok M: Classic Set for September 3, 2025
-
Technology3 months agoNew IDR01 Smart Ring Offers Advanced Sports Tracking for $169
-
Education2 months agoNew SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary Opens in Langford for 2025/2026 Year
-
Technology2 months agoArsanesia Unveils Smith’s Chronicles with Steam Page and Trailer
