The history of the Indian Residential School system in Canada is not a matter of opinion or debate. The documented facts – including Survivor testimonies, government and church records and physical evidence of unmarked burials – are well-established and publicly accessible. These facts have been acknowledged by federal and provincial governments, churches and independent commissions, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Denial of Residential School history is a harmful act that disregards the lived experiences of Survivors and their families. Denying or erasing the facts and histories of Residential School takes an unjust toll on Survivors, their families and their communities. It is often linked to broader efforts to erase historical injustices and undermine accountability, justice and reparations owed to those who faced violence and injustice. Erasing memory and disbelieving truths about violence only perpetuates harm.
The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) at UBC is committed to ensuring that records related to Residential Schools remain accessible, respected and preserved, particularly those in British Columbia. Our work is grounded in supporting Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors and their communities by facilitating access to records and documented truths.
The Centre holds records affiliated with the government of Canada, its provinces, both Catholic and Protestant church records, and Survivor and community records on Residential Schools and Indian Hospitals in Canada and B.C.
The Centre partners with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the Royal B.C. Museum and Archives, Library and Archives Canada, and other institutions to uphold the integrity of these records and share the history and lasting impacts of the Residential School system.
The Centre supports and upholds the findings and recommendations of the Final Report of the Special Interlocutor on Missing Children and Unmarked Burials, including “Fighting Denialism and Rewriting Canadian History”.
For more information on Residential School history and records, please visit:
Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The Indian Residential School Survivor Society offers 24-7 support to Survivors: 1 (800) 721-0066