Everyone knows about the problems in the residential schools. From Anglican Church records made available to The Nation, we get a clear picture of just how horrible these schools and their dysfunctional staff really were.
Inside the rickety and overcrowded buildings, Cree children were in the hands of inept and unhealthy teachers. Running the show were confused principals who embezzled money and constantly worried about “Roman Catholic aggression.” Staff pretended to be sick so they could have more vacation time in the South. The students seemed like the last ones on anybody’s mind.
An Indian Affairs official said
(circa 1920), “Our object is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed into the body politic, and there is no Indian question, and there is no Indian department, and that is the whole object of the Bill.”
The problems were obvious even to the Anglican Superintendents who conducted inspections of the schools.
The following are highlights of the Superintendents’ reports for Bishop Horden School in Moose Factory and St. Philip’s School in Fort George (1949-69).
Thanks to Terry Thompson of the Anglican Church archives in Toronto for her assistance.
Sept. 25-30, 1949: Bishop Horden
Principal the Rev. H.E. Taylor-has been confined to bed for the last six weeks with muscular rhematism.
Andrew Faries-while stepping from tractor stepped on 4″ rusty spike and punctured left foot.
Fire-escape of school (a wooden one) rotted away at lower end. With 102 children in residence dormitories are crowded. Whole interior needs redecorating.
Farm-lt has been a very poor growing season-cold and wet; also army worms did considerable damage.
The general atmosphere about the School much better than at time of July visit. The Archdeacon now keeps pretty well away from the school and interferes no longer.
Sept. 25-26, 1949: St. Philip’s
Canon Shepherd-Canon-I noted an indifference in his attitude about school business and while he’s zealous for the good of the school and the Indians he seems unable to plan ahead logically.
Miss Lenehan-Not fitting in so well-reported to be neurotic and unable to work with natives-She wants a transfer next year.
David House-nightwatch and odd man-lives in shack on mission property-dilapidated condition.
Miss Quirt’s sister might be interested in a job at Ft. George (marital troubles).
Furnaces-Having trouble getting hot air into classroom.
Garden-Due to early frosts and ravages of Army worms and afis maggots poor returns. Tried to fight army worms with Arsenate of Lead spray but no effects. Afis maggots attacked radish, turnips, cauliflower and cabbage-didn’t bother beets, potatoes or carrots.
Hospital-Building a shambles and unfit for human occupancy. Ought to be demolished.
R. Catholic aggression-The Romans are very aggressive at Fort George-though they have only five or six patients they are enlarging their hospital. Their boats ply the coast trying to pick up patients and school children. Have been paying natives abnormally high wages this summer in an effort to win them over.
March 9-12, 1950: Bishop Horden
Miss Adair-Terrific talker-rambles on and seems to be able to converse on any topic-rest of staff ignore her chatter.
George Mark-Furnace man-native lad 18 yrs. of age-paid $40 monthly.
Mr. Glen-Boys’ Supervisor-a rough diamond-very good worker and conscientious-not the best boy’s supervisor however.
Mrs. Glen-Jr. Boys’ Supervisor-exhibiting half-breed traits of now having married a white man she has become lazy and careless.
There is at this school a very high percentage of staff in proportion to the number of children.Told the Principal gradually to get rid of the Indian element as their influence is lowering thestandards within the school.
Sept. 28-Oct.2, 1950: Bishop Horden
Mr. Hester-Principal-Glaringly obvious that he has taken no active interest in the school or its operation since taking over. As an example of his inability it took him seven hours office work to straighten out his petty cash account and I checked it three different times within that period before it worked out correctly. He seemed to be wholly indifferent as to his future and when he made no response to my offer to try and do something for him I gave him up as a bad job.
Miss Thompson-Was abed with lumbago when I arrived.
Dormitory Boys-As there are more than 50 boys in residence the dorm is overcrowded.
Farm-An utter failure this year.
Dec. 6-11, 1950: Bishop Horden
Miss Jackson-Had been in government hospital for a week. Apparently ulcers have developed and her rundown condition is attributed to this fact plus excessive over-work and worry.
Peter Palmer-Has not worked out at Moose-absolutely no control of the boys. Principal and I agreed that he was worthless. He has a desire to do Church work and might be O.K. at Indian Lay missionary work.
Miss Poney-Previous to my visit had been ordered to bed because of her run-down conditions.
Mrs. Pearson-A good teacher but has some queer ideas of her own about how Indian children ought to be educated.
Miss Johnson-Has turned out to be a dud and fuddle-headed teacher-not able to retain discipline and even at this late date has not her daily classroom in order.
Horses-The day before I arrived the school team Nap and Bonnie were lost through the ice.
Pupils-ln spiter of disorganization among the staff the children seem to be happy and well cared-for. Enough presents, toys, candy, etc. are on hand to assure the youngsters having a good Christmas.
Aug. 2-3,1951: St. Philip’s
Miss Majewska-Returned, after appendix operation. The girl has had some terrible experiences in concentration camps and it might take time before she’s fully over her past. They all like her at Fort George-she’s clever in many ways-an exceptional sewer and handicrafts workers but no good in a kitchen.
Imperative need for the school is a competent cook. School overcrowded with present pupilage.
Aug. 4-8,1951: Bishop Horden
Matron Jackson-Still very much an unwell woman. She’s become a grumbler and muddler.
Pupils-The movement of pupils by air was most successful. All children were moved within athree-day period and parents were pleased to have them home early. Principal expects about 80 fromthe Mistasini (sic) ad Waswanippi (sic) area and fewer from around the Bay.
April 2, 1952: St. Philip’s
Miss Holland-Claims she feels better than formerly but is nonetheless in need of a medical check-up. She also antagonizes the staff and children.
Miss Adams-Slipped and broke a bone in her leg outdoors on the ice.
Residence-becoming quite cold in winter due to cracks from sinking foundation.
Pupils-somewhat crowded in dorms and dining room.
April 3-8, 1952: Bishop Horden
Principal Seegmiller: Unable to persuade him to withdraw his resignation. Asserts that he is absolutely fed up with staff problems, Bishop Clarke and Indian Affairs Branch.
Miss Holmes: Not an overly good staff member. Talks too much and has little control over the children.
Pupils-There has been quite a lot of sickness on and off this past winter and recently four children were taken from the school and taken into the hospital as suspect T.B. Patients.
Oct. 29, 1952: Canon Shepherd’s visit to Head Office
The Canon brought down an account submitted to the School covering the purchases made by Mr. Seegmiller when he was Principal of the School but purchased by Seegmiller as an individual and not the School Principal. This office has written Seegmiller on this subject and some months ago he promised to adjust the matter himself as he acknowledged that the bill was his responsibility.
March 19-27, 1953: Bishop Horden
Miss Holland-Not much good as teacher. Wanted to go to Toronto to have an ear attended to. She clearly wanted a jaunt and I had to tell her that she’d had plenty of sick leave out of us already.
Miss Elliott-Laundress-A bit of a tartar-non-cooperative and inclined to be lazy. Claims to be devout but seldom appears at Chapel.
Buildings-Toilets in the girls’ section in very, very bad shape. Only a major overhaul will do. This was reported to I.A.B. last summer but nothing done. The laundry is still a mess.
Children-Have enjoyed good health this winter past-Look well fed. Under Shepherd the children have improved in their responses, singing and attention at morning chapel. Sunday School is well organized.
March 24-25, 1953: St. Philip’s
Rev. Mr. Martinson-He is an experienced man with Indians and has been able to stop their “cadging” on the school. He is strict in his dealings with the natives and absolutely fair and honest with them.
Miss Hepden-Too sloppy and careless for the kitchen and was transferred to supervising-not overly good at that but Martinson can do with her.
Miss Hunten-A good hard worker but irresponsible and upsetting to the children. Has been quite ill.
Residence-The furnace is absolutely “shot.” It leaks flame and smoke into the air chamber and ifa draft is opened the whole house is smoked out. All the windows leak cold air badly.
Pupils-70 in Residence at time of visit-considerable crowding in all departments of school.Mary Koodlayak arrived Fort George 24/ 3/53. She is the Eskimo lassie about whom Dr. Moore wrote.All classrooms are overcrowded-insufficient desks. Some children have to sit on the floor. Pupilsare fat as butter.
Sept. 8-15, 1954: Bishop Horden
Nurse Dawson-Rather coarse-not very reliable. Principal doubts her qualifications as a nurse. Sheought to be replaced if a good nurse can be found.
Miss Nelson-No good as a Supervisor.
Miss Morrison-She’s been at Horden too long and ought to be replaced with a white assistant kitchenmatron.
Miss Jamieson-laundress-does not do badly at her job but is a queer staff member nevertheless.
Mr. Martin-Ex-maintenance-Principal warns he might write Head Office for job back. Has nasty temper and very nervous.
Buildings-Main building-ln bad physical shape but clean and tidy. The front porch has been torn down and a rough gang plank affair set up to front entrance-actually it is a dangerous situation. New building-This building is a disappointment.
Laundry-This equipment was outworn years ago.
Playground-The hospital has a beautiful set up and fenced-in playground for white staff children. Our school has nothing.
Sports equipment-None on hand. Principal can find no record of requisitions for same.
School supplies-No record in Horden files of any classroom requisition having been filed by the last Principal.
Pupils-Due to the fact that these are only three teachers on staff no village children are in the classrooms and the three classes very disorganized.
General-The Principal has about reached the end of his patience with the [Indian Affairs] Agent.My experience also is that the Agent and his secretary assu me or try to assume responsibilitiesnot thei r’s at all. [The Agent] ought to be instructed as well on the matter of [Indian Affairs]teachers. They are not responsible to him.
Sept. 9-12,1954: St. Philip’s
Miss Phillips-Has been doing Junior Boys’ Supervising but cannot maintain discipline.
Mr. Pitcher-This man a great disappointment. He is untidy, a show-off and not so good about machinery.
Mr. Vanstone-No good at all supervising boys and detests inside work.
George Spencer-A non-treaty native-catechist at the Church-single-about 32-a fine type Indian to be given trial as Boys’ Supervisor. He is a good carpenter-clean and tidy in appearance.
Warehouse, Food-Crowded to the roof.
Instructions to Shippers-This year boxes of dried fruits (apricots, peaches, currants, raisins) were broken open on boat and some contents removed.
Nursing Station-Three times in last year Principal has had to assist nurses in rushing to R.C. Hospital people who need oxygen. (Philip Box; baby; Annie House.)
Most Indians at Fort George live nearer the Church of England Mission and Government NursingStation than they do the R.C. Mission. Principal feels that the Nursing Station ought to besupplied with an oxygen tent and mask plus oxygen. Lack of this plays right into R.C. hands.
July 21, 22, 25, 26, 1958: Bishop Horden
Mr. Shearer-Boys’ supervisor; not too good with boys but an eager and willing worker.
Buildings-The new school is holding up well except for the roof trouble. Leaks have now appeared in the auditorium. Wheatly claims that many engineers, etc. have been in to look the roof situation over but no work has been done nor does he know of plans to do any. The floors in the classroom block are in need of either sanding and varnish or lino tile.
July 23-24, 1958: St. Philip’s
Rev. Principal Martinson: Found him less jumpy and worried than on former visit. Discussing his leg with him and he is seeing Dr. Fulmer.
Jim Livesey: Definitely a good thing Miss M. Livesey is not returning. I investigated some of the things she told me in Ottawa and found them false or misrepresented. Apparently she was a trouble maker not only at the School but among the few white families at Fort George.
Miss M. Livesey: Apparently when she left Fort George she saw Mr. Shaw in North Bay as well as myself in Ottawa. Shaw checked with Miss Connell (outgoing teacher) and found Miss Livesey’s stories to be simply gossip. Apparently too Miss Livesey gossiped about Fort George when she overnighted at Moose.
Pupils-Our Church has no place to send young people for further education or hostelization such as the Romans-we miss out in this respect. If more fire extinguishers supplied thus to cut down danger from fire, pupilage at Fort George could be increased to 60-65.
Pupil Samson Sandy (Fort George boy attending Shingwauk) was sent back to Fort George as it is his home post. However, he has no family and so is staying at School doing odd jobs for his keep. Something ought to be done for this lad for next summer.
The new regulation of school closing on June 30 and re-opening at Fort George on Sept. 1 does notfit into the native economy at all. Summer school usually ends Aug. 7 or 8 and the Indians leave forthe bush no later than August 15.
June 19-23, 1959: Bishop Horden
Miss Tailfeathers-lmmediately discharged for unseemly conduct.
Mr. Morgan and Miss Diamond-Married afternoon of June 20, 1959-both quite good at supervising and intend to stay on. I would however recommend that after another year at Moose the couple be offered transfer to another school-prefereably an outside one. There is always a danger that the Diamond family-good Indians as they are-will start to scrounge off Morgan.
Miss Froman-Not such a good supervisor and her conduct is questionable.
Actually Mr. Wheatly finds himself with too many native staff.
June 28-July 2, 1960: St. Philip’s
Principal Martinson: Am not sure if he influenced Livesey and Boomer to leave-conflicting stories seemed to be the order of the day at Fort George. Definitely, from what I was able to pick up, McTaggart [the new principal] failed to take my advice of watching and learning but he adopted a “know-it-all” attitude.
Mr. McTaggart-Am not too happy with this man. From the Indians I heard odd pieces of disturbing gossip and from his general attitude I tol him straight on the 29th that I was uncertain if I would ever turn over the school to him. McTaggart claims that he had control of only $50. He denies any knowledge of any shortage of funds due his handling. He did admit that there was an automobile repair bill outstanding which he had o.k.’d (for McTaggart’s brother-in-law). It is quite evident that McTaggart is a part master at “covering-up” and trying to play one person against another and unless he straightens up rapidly he will have to be replaced.
Rev. Mr. Ruggles-A very capable man, well-liked by the Indians. He is living in the Mission house not being able to “take” McTaggart.
General items-lndians convinced that we do not want to help them. It is common knowledge that the R.C. School buys geese from the Indians and even sells them back to the Indians in the Spring. Martinson has proof that this spring the R.C. school was selling frozen ducks back to the Indians.
June 3-6,1961: St. Philip’s
Principal McTaggart: McTaggart finds it difficult to get along with Mr. Broadhead, the Sr. teacher. McTaggart is inclined to be officious and “bossy” but I put this down to an inferiority complex.
Mr Broadhead: Senior Teacher. Spent some time with him and to my mind he is a typical know-it-all American. He does not appear to be very capable as a senior teacher and, very definitely, resents Mr. McTaggart’s position as his immediate superior.
Miss Seaby-Teacher-was flown out to hospital on Sunday the 4th of June.
Buildings-For an old building it is not in too bad condition. The place is a fire trap and regular fire drills are held.
Pupils-The ban on purchase of game is a bad feature as fresh meat from outside costs so much.Regular fire drills are held-an important feature in such a fire trap of a building.
