Residential School Survivors Share Heartbreaking Stories of Their Time at Mohawk Institute
The Mohawk Institute, also known as the Mush Hole, was one of the oldest residential schools in Canada. It operated from 1828 to 1970 and was run by the Anglican Church. For over a century, Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families and sent to this institution, where they were subjected to physical, emotional, and cultural abuse.
Recently, a group of residential school survivors gathered at the former site of the Mohawk Institute to share their stories and shed light on the dark history of this place. Their testimonies were filled with pain, trauma, and resilience.
One survivor, Evelyn George, recalled her time at the Mohawk Institute as a young girl. She vividly remembers being stripped of her traditional clothing and forced to wear a uniform. She was also forbidden from speaking her native language and was punished if caught doing so. “We were treated like animals, not human beings,” she said.
Another survivor, Harold Johnson, shared how he was physically abused by the staff at the Mohawk Institute. He described being beaten with a leather strap for speaking his language and being forced to eat spoiled food. “It was a constant state of fear and survival,” he said.
The survivors also spoke about the lasting impact of their time at the Mohawk Institute. Many of them struggled with addiction, mental health issues, and a loss of cultural identity. They also expressed their frustration with the lack of acknowledgement and apology from the Canadian government and the Anglican Church.
The gathering at the former site of the Mohawk Institute was organized by the Woodland Cultural Centre, which now operates on the same grounds. The centre is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Six Nations of the Grand River, including the legacy of residential schools.
The survivors hope that by sharing their stories, they can educate others about the atrocities that took place at the Mohawk Institute and other residential schools across Canada. They also hope for healing and reconciliation for themselves and their communities.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has identified the residential school system as a cultural genocide. It is estimated that over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families and sent to these institutions. The survivors of the Mohawk Institute are a reminder of the lasting impact of this dark chapter in Canadian history.
As we continue to learn about and acknowledge the truth of residential schools, it is important to listen to the voices of survivors and support their healing journey. The stories shared at the former site of the Mohawk Institute serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities.
