As I previously posted, I think the "Truth and Reconciliation" report likely misses some important facts (or at least assertions). Here are some additional items, via Jack:
Of note and not commonly reported:
“When the government revised the Indian Act in the 1940s and 50s, a slim majority of Indian bands, along with regional and national native organizations, wanted residential schools to stay open. Those who supported the schools wanted to keep the religious component as well. Motivations for support of the schools included their role as a social service in communities suffering extensive family breakdown; the significance of the schools as employers; and the seeming lack of other opportunities for children to receive an education. In the 1960s, when the government decided to close certain schools, some Indian bands pleaded to have them to remain open.[36]” [the material in quotes is from Wikipaedia].
Jack adds,
The alleged higher death rate for students than for others out of the residential schools might be so, given that TB was the big killer, and confining ill kids with others insured transmission. The situation on the reserves is not available for comparison.
Certainly the appropriate standard for comparison is the counterfactual, not the death rate is WWI.