In my seminar class, we discussed The Education of Augie Merasty and how Residential schools

and education was portrayed and affected individuals. It was heart wrenching to picture the reality

behind Residential schools and the impact it had on the Aboriginal Peoples. In this memoir, Augie

expresses his experiences and trauma that he endured and witnessed while in St. Therese Residential

School in Sturgeon Landing, Saskatchewan.

I think it is important to reflect on the influence that an institution has, such as public education,

and how it could be used for “Cultural Genocide.” The purpose of Residential schools was clearly stated,

to “take the Indian out of the child,” which was done through physical, emotional, and even sexual

abuse. When reflecting on this horrendous method of teaching and molding students, I am further

encouraged to teach in a manner that encourages diversities and individualism so that students are

molding to be contributing members of society. I want to encourage students to find their passion and

talents and to develop those, while trying new things as well. I look back on this time and these

experiences and recognize the importance of ethical education and respect.

Understanding how Residential schools affected individuals will help me in my teaching because

I will be able to be cognitively aware of transgenerational trauma and the trickling effects this

experience had on individuals and families. I understand the lose of trust and hope for public education

in Canada through these tragic events. I hope to restore trust and allow parents to re-establish trust in

education and in educators. I vow to learn from this past to ensure reconciliation is modeled and

education is never used to abuse and manipulate children such as Residential schools did.

Using Augie as an example of one who allowed his story to be shared, I hope I can encourage

students to voice their opinions. I want students to feel that their opinions matter and are valued. In my

classroom, racism and discrimination will not be tolerated.

 As one of my classmates quoted, “Education got us into this mess, and it is education that will

get us out of this” I hope to use education to “get out of this mess” by teaching my students respect,

reconciliation, and kindness. It is my wish that by educating students of the past and being attentive to

current repercussions, then students will be able to create a brighter future.