The History and Impact of the Indian Boarding Homes Program in Canada

Uncovering the truth behind a little-known chapter in Canadian history. 

While residential schools are widely recognized for their devastating impact on Indigenous peoples in Canada, the history of Indian Boarding Homes remains less known. Tens of thousands of Indigenous children were placed into private homes, often far from their communities, under a program that promised education but frequently delivered trauma. Understanding the Indian Boarding Homes history in Canada is essential to acknowledging the full scope of colonial policies and their ongoing effects. 

The Indian Boarding Homes Program was introduced by the Canadian government as part of its assimilationist education strategy. From the 1950s to the 1990s, Indigenous and Inuit children were sent away to live in non-Indigenous private homes so they could attend primary or high schools in urban communities. 

Unlike residential schools, these placements did not involve institutional dormitories but were instead dispersed into family households. Still, the separation and systemic neglect experienced by many mirrored the harms of residential schools.

This program was operated by Indian Affairs Canada (now Crown-Indigenous Relations and Indigenous Services Canada). It was presented as a more progressive alternative to residential schools, yet it functioned under many of the same oppressive frameworks: forced relocation, minimal oversight, and disregard for Indigenous identity.

The impact of Indian boarding homes in Canada was far-reaching and painful: 

Forced Separation from Families 

Children were taken from tight-knit communities and placed in unfamiliar, often unwelcoming homes. This caused lifelong feelings of displacement and alienation. 

Loss of Language and Culture 

Most host families spoke only English or French. Children were discouraged—or outright forbidden—from speaking their Indigenous languages or practicing cultural traditions, contributing to a deep loss of culture among Indigenous peoples in Canada. 

Abuse and Neglect 

Many survivors report experiencing verbal, physical, and even sexual abuse. With little oversight from the government, children were vulnerable and isolated and had few avenues to seek help. 

Legal Action and Recognition 

In recent years, survivors have come forward to share their stories, demanding justice and recognition for the harm they endured. Legal action led to the Indian Boarding Homes Class Action, a nationwide settlement recognizing the suffering of tens of thousands. 

The lawsuit seeks compensation for those placed in private homes under government oversight and offers a way for estates to file on behalf of deceased loved ones. It is a critical step toward healing and reconciliation.

If you or someone you know was affected by the Indian Boarding Homes Program, your story matters. By coming forward, you contribute to truth-telling and collective healing. 

Learn how to apply for compensation here. 

Understanding the history of Indian Boarding Homes in Canada helps us ensure that these injustices are never repeated. It’s time to listen, acknowledge, and act. 

• Indian Boarding Homes Class Action Official Website
• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Reports
• CBC News Coverage on Indian Boarding Homes