Residential schools were designed by the Canadian government and controlled by churches. The two primary goals of residential schools were to isolate Aboriginal children from their families, traditions, culture, and religion so to introduce them to the lifestyle of Euro-Canadian and Christian societies. Canada’s residential school system was established when European settlers in Canada assumed that their own civilization and lifestyle was one of the most successful achievements of mankind and it should be implemented into other cultures as well. The European settlers viewed Native Canadians as savage people who did not have any education or exposure to European civilization. 

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It all began in 1831, when the Canadian government started a collaboration with Anglican, Catholic, United, and Presbyterian churches to teach Christianity to Aboriginal students. The Mohawk Institute in Brantford is known as the oldest residential school in Canada. Residential schools began expanding across Canada as they were funded by the federal government under the department of Indian Affairs. Agents were hired by the federal government to make sure students attended residential schools as attendance was mandatory for all Aboriginal children.

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Residential schools mostly focused on religious practices and practical skills. Girls were taught to do laundry, cook, sew, and clean; while boys were taught carpentry, construction, and farming. The children spent half of their day in classrooms and the other half working for the school. Students were physically punished for speaking their own language and practicing their own traditions.