In 1900 in Canada 1 in 5 did not live to their 5th year. I didn't see any historic data on older children but we know Polio, TB, diarrhea, diphtheria, influenza and many other disease caused a high mortality rate in the pre-antibiotics/pre-penicillan era.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/...ortality-rate/
The Indian act included the requirement to educate, underfunding, the govt trying to push it all on the church, poor planning and execution... lots of blame to go around. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" - many attributed to this quote
https://www.catholiceducation.org/en...-question.html
"Tragic problems existed at some of the residential schools and, for the most part, they failed in their purpose of elevating the native people. Nevertheless, many natives have fond memories of their residential school experience and have an image of the residential school as a happy, loving place. A number have even told me that their time at the residential school was the happiest of their lives."
Simplification of a problem is not understanding it, the media and especially some politicians specialize in NOT understanding or contributing to a positive outcome!
Since the media doesn't want to talk but to spin here is a bit of history and facts...
To redress the legacy of residential schools and advance reconciliation, in its final report the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada called on governments, educational and religious institutions, civil society groups and all Canadians to take action on the 94 Calls to Action it identified. On December 15, 2015, the Prime Minister reiterated the Government of Canada’s commitment to implement the recommendations of the commission.
Many pre-existing programs within the Government of Canada already undertake work that responds to the Calls to Action. The information highlighted on these webpages relates to recent developments.
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/.../1557511412801
I'll say it again, time to toss the Indian act and race based policies into the 19th century waste bin, those that need help should get it, incorporate and make accountable the reserves and as a redress for the residential school system free University and some other benefits continued until say 2050 but it is the 21st century ... bring on star drives and flying cars... not racial ghettos and dirty water!