Indigenous communities in Canada are still grappling with the devastating effects of residential schools, which forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families and communities in an attempt to assimilate them into Euro-Canadian culture. While the physical and emotional abuse suffered by these children has been well-documented, a new study sheds light on another aspect of the residential school system: arranged marriages.
The study, conducted by the University of Manitoba’s Centre for Human Rights Research, found that residential schools played a significant role in the practice of arranged marriages within Indigenous communities. Arranged marriages, where parents or other family members choose a spouse for their child, were common in many Indigenous cultures prior to the arrival of European settlers. However, the study found that the residential school system exacerbated and distorted this practice.
According to the study, residential schools often separated children from their families and communities for extended periods of time, making it difficult for parents to arrange marriages for their children. As a result, many children were forced into marriages arranged by the school or by other students. These marriages were often based on convenience rather than love, and were seen as a way to maintain cultural traditions and connections within the school.
The study also found that the residential school system perpetuated harmful gender stereotypes and power imbalances within these arranged marriages. Girls were often seen as commodities to be traded between families, while boys were expected to provide for their families and take on a dominant role in the marriage. This reinforced the patriarchal structure of many Indigenous communities and further marginalized women and girls.
The effects of these arranged marriages were far-reaching and often devastating. Many children were forced into marriages at a young age, disrupting their education and limiting their opportunities for personal and professional growth. The lack of choice and agency in these marriages also led to high rates of domestic violence and abuse.
While the practice of arranged marriages has declined in many Indigenous communities, the legacy of residential schools continues to impact relationships and family dynamics. The study’s authors argue that acknowledging and addressing this aspect of the residential school system is crucial for healing and reconciliation within Indigenous communities.
The findings of this study highlight the need for continued efforts to address the lasting effects of residential schools on Indigenous communities. It is a reminder that the harm caused by these institutions extends far beyond the physical and emotional abuse suffered by the children who attended them. As we continue to work towards reconciliation, it is important to recognize and address all aspects of the residential school system, including the impact on traditional cultural practices such as arranged marriages.
