Survivor of Canadian Indigenous Schools Speaks Out

The legacy of Canadian Indigenous residential schools is a painful chapter in the nation’s history. For over 160 years, more than 150,000 Indigenous children were sent to these schools, where they endured severe hardships. These institutions were initially set up as part of an assimilation policy funded by the federal government and often run by religious organizations.

Marcel Dominique, a 71-year-old from the community of Pessamit, has recently broken his silence about the abuses he faced as a child attending one such school. Dominica attended a day school called L’École indienne Du Jour from 1960 to 1968. In an interview with the publication ‘Le Manic,’ Dominique reflects on his experiences and the systemic abuse that was rampant in these schools.

“Punishments were part of our daily lives,” Dominique recalls. “Not a day passed without myself or a classmate receiving some form of abuse.” From the tender age of six, Marcel was exposed to physical, psychological, and sexual violence. “The most common were strikes with a stick on the fingers,” he adds, describing how they sometimes used a leather strap.

Rules of strict obedience dominated the environment, with any minor infraction met with severe punishment, including beatings and public humiliation. The expectation of obedience was reinforced daily, as evident in the phrase inscribed on their classroom blackboard.

Humiliation and physical abuse were a constant threat. “‘Aren’t you ashamed?’ was a phrase often used by the Sisters of Bon Conseil,” Dominique notes, describing punishments like kneeling on hands for hours or having hands scrubbed until they bled.

In addition to physical abuse, Marcel suffered sexual assaults by various figures associated with the school. The assaults occurred frequently in secretive locations, such as the dark heating room or restrooms, and were perpetrated by both the nuns and visiting priests. Dominique singled out a priest named Lionel Labrèche, alleging he was a serial abuser.

Dominique, who has been sober for over 40 years, admits to battling substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Throughout his journey, he has attempted suicide multiple times. He believes many survivors resorted to alcohol and drugs as a means of escape.

Today, Dominique shares his story to encourage others to speak out. He aims to break the silence and help others heal from the generational trauma that these abuses have caused. “We were made to believe these atrocities were normal,” Dominique explains.

He spoke publicly about his experience during the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Manicouagan Aboriginal Friendship Center. This day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, marks a federal holiday recognizing the impact of residential schools.

The day is inspired by Phyllis Webstad‘s story, highlighting the broader purpose of these institutions—a tool for forced assimilation. Observed on September 30th, it serves as a reminder and call for reconciliation.

While the Canadian Parliament recognized September 30th as a national holiday in 2021, the majority of provinces have not yet adopted it as a statutory holiday. This has led to calls for provinces to align with federal reconciliation efforts.