Episode #42 - Sir John A. MacDonald & The Residential School System

In this episode of the History in Motion Podcast, we delve into the nation-building efforts of Sir John A. Macdonald, focusing on his National Policy and its profound impact on Indigenous relations.

Macdonald's re-election in 1878 marked the beginning of a transformative era for Canada. We explore how his National Policy, with its protective tariffs, railway expansion, and strategic immigration, aimed to unify and strengthen the young nation. The protective tariffs fostered industrial growth, the Canadian Pacific Railway connected the vast territories, and the influx of European settlers populated the western provinces.

However, this period of progress came at a significant cost to Indigenous peoples. We examine the displacement caused by settlement policies, the introduction of the Indian Act, and the establishment of the residential school system, which sought to assimilate Indigenous children and suppress their cultures.

Through expert insights and historical narratives, we uncover the complex legacy of Macdonald's policies—how they spurred economic development and national unity, but also created lasting challenges for Indigenous communities. Join us for an engaging exploration of this pivotal period in Canadian history, right here on History in Motion.

https://ontariohistoricalsociety.ca/podcast/in-hindsight-episode-10/