The residential school system was a network of government-funded, church-run institutions in Canada and the United States designed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-American culture. These schools operated from the late 19th century until the late 20th century, often forcibly removing children from their families and communities. The aim was to eradicate Indigenous languages, cultures, and identities. Children in residential schools faced harsh conditions, including neglect, abuse, and a lack of emotional support. Many were prohibited from speaking their native languages or practicing their cultural traditions. The legacy of the residential school system has had lasting impacts on Indigenous communities, contributing to intergenerational trauma and loss of cultural identity.