During the 19th century Aboriginal people faced a lot of discrimination in Canada, their beliefs and culture were considered reckless, this led to the opening of residential schools for Aboriginal children. When understanding residential schools it is important to consider the cultural impact they left on children. Dr. Duncan Campbell Scott once stated, “I want to get rid of the Indian problem. Indeed, I do not think that the country should continually protect a class of people who are capable of standing on their own two feet... Our object is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada who has not been absorbed into the body politic and there is no Indian question, nor any Indian department, that is the whole object of this bill.” (20th century education for Native Americans…) This is what sparked the whole problem with the Indians and how residential schools came about. But to what extent was the purpose of residential schools rooted in Aboriginal cultural misunderstanding? I will examine the purpose of establishing residential schools, the activities carried out in residential schools, and the impact left on families due to residential schools. Why did we, the Canadian government, have so much hatred towards Aboriginal people? Before opening residential schools, the Canadian government believed that it was responsible for helping teach English to Aboriginal children in Canada and really getting them away from Aboriginal culture. Also there was so much discrimination against Aboriginal people; many times Canadians would say the phrase “Kill the Indians” which showed how much hatred was shown towards Aboriginal people. The Canadian government funded all the expenses for residential schools, which was no amount of money because... middle of the paper... it has been proven time and time again how this emotionally and physically scarred children who played a huge role in causing them to lose their Aboriginal identity. The breakdown of the Aboriginal family was a long-term effect of residential schools; children lost their language, culture, spiritual beliefs, and traditional ways of subsistence. They knew nothing about family life, family values, structure or parenting skills. Many would raise their future children in the same harsh and violent way they were taught in residential schools. Even today Aboriginal people do not receive sympathy, respect and feel oppressed. The Canadian government abolished residential schools but Aboriginal people are still mistreated today. Cultural misunderstanding of Aboriginal people is what led to the government trying to brainwash Aboriginal children and end Aboriginal culture and beliefs.