50th Anniversary of the Closure of the Mohawk Institute Residential School

The Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School operated in Brantford, Ontario from 1828 to 1970. It served as a boarding school for First Nations children from Six Nations, as well as other communities throughout Ontario and Quebec. It served as a key tool in the effort to assimilate First Nations children into European Christian society, and sever the continuity of culture from parent to child.

After closing in 1970, it reopened in 1972 as the Woodland Cultural Centre, a non-profit organization that serves to preserve and promote First Nations culture and heritage.

This month marks the 50th anniversary for the last students that would ever attend the Mohawk Institute Residential School.

Photo: Newspaper Article September 27 1970, The Hamilton Spectator www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/

There are many archives, and a full narrative of the schools timeline, published by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. However, one of the best ways to truly understand the history of residential schools is from the Survivors themselves.

Sherlene Bomberry, marks her 50th anniversary of leaving the Mohawk Institute, as the last class of 1970.

She shared this photo of her when she left the school at the age of 14. You can also watch her video below , sharing some of the moments from her interview. She wrote a piece for us to publish on our website to honour all those who attended over the years. We couldn’t have found a better way to acknowledge this moment in history. Nya:weh Sherlene.

“Sge:no swagwego! Ewehehewi ne gya:soh. Otahyoni: niwagehsyaode. Gayogoho:no nigohwejode. From and lives on the Six Nations of the Grand.

Fifty years ago, June 1970, I left the Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford, ON at the age of 14 passing into grade 9.  The Residential School closed its doors as a school but inside I left with many years of generational trauma and secrets.  In September 1966, CAS apprehended myself and three siblings from my mom and baby sister. We ranged in ages of 10, 8, 7 & 5. Separated with boys on one side and girls on the other. Those were the loneliest times of my young life.

Three children have chosen me as their mom, and twelve grand babies and one great grandson.

Twenty years ago I took off this coat of shame and guilt and admitted yes I was in that Residential School. That was a heavy coat to wear and I am very grateful for all who have come in my path to guide, support, and encourage me to connect to Who I Am and Where I came from. I’ve fostered and enhanced my personal and professional growth to breaking cycles and moving forward. I am Proud of Me!! No regrets to my past as I respect my healing journey through past and future generations.

Nyaweh gowah

Sherlene”

With only a few more days left in the Giving Challenge to win the $20,000 prize, that money would be used to travel to surrounding communities and record more of these Survivor stories and document their truths and pass them on the future generations.

Please share this post and ask others to Donate to the “Save the Evidence” Campaign.