Can you share some positive residential school stories?

Sure. One story could be about a child who was sent to a residential school far from home. At first, they were extremely homesick. They missed their family's warm hugs and the familiar environment. But over time, they made a good friend who helped them get through the tough days. They studied together, played together, and slowly started to adapt to the life in the residential school.

The Port Alberni Residential School was a place of great pain and trauma. There were stories of children being forcibly separated from their families. They were made to abandon their native languages and cultures. Many children faced physical and emotional abuse there.

There are stories of children being physically punished for speaking their native languages. For example, a child might be beaten just for whispering a few words in their Indigenous tongue. Also, there were cases where the children's hair was cut in a way that was against their cultural beliefs, which was a form of cultural erasure. There were also many cases of children going missing from the Kamloops residential school, and their families were often not informed or given proper explanations.

One positive aspect is the sense of community. In residential schools, students live together, which can lead to strong bonds. For instance, they support each other during exams or when facing personal problems. Another aspect is the exposure to different cultures. As students are from various places, they can learn about new languages, cuisines, and traditions. It enriches their understanding of the world.

A particular teacher in a residential school started a small library in the school using his own collection of books. He encouraged the students to read and held reading sessions. Many students who were initially uninterested in reading became avid readers because of this teacher's initiative. It was a heart - warming effort to promote education and a love for reading among the students.

One story is about a child who was punished for speaking his native language. He was made to stand outside in the cold for hours.

Sure. One survivor story is about a child named Tom. He was taken to a residential school at a very young age. There, he was forced to abandon his native language and cultural traditions. He was punished if he spoke his own language. Tom endured years of loneliness and confusion, but he managed to hold on to some memories of his family. Eventually, he escaped that place and dedicated his life to spreading awareness about the dark side of residential schools.

Sure. There was a story where a group of students at St Paul's Residential School organized a surprise birthday party for a janitor who was always kind to them. It was a simple but very heartwarming gesture.

Well, take the Sunset View Apartments for example. They decided to target a specific demographic - young professionals. So they built co - working spaces within the complex, along with high - speed internet access. This was a huge draw for those who wanted to work from home sometimes. They also organized regular networking events for the residents. Another success story is the Hilltop Residences. They invested in soundproofing the units really well. This made it a very quiet and peaceful living environment, which was much appreciated by the tenants, especially families with small children.

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.