The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is a national, Indigenous-led charitable organization that has existed for 20 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and long-lasting inter-generational impacts of the Residential School System, Sixties Scoop, Day School and other means of cultural oppression against Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities.

The LHF works to raise awareness about the historical and contemporary truths that continue to occur so that we are better equipped to address racism and discrimination in Canada. Unfortunately, much of this information is often ignored by the public education system which underlines the need for more public education on the topics of the Residential School System, Sixties Scoop and the various forms of colonialism that have become embedded in Canadian society. The LHF honours Survivors and their families by taking direction from them to ensure that all of our initiatives take into account their true and authentic experiences while providing emotional and healing support. We believe that by educating the public on the injustices against Indigenous Peoples we are positioned to highlight their contributions to the fabric of society and foster empathy, understanding and respect to build meaningful connections. The LHF hopes to inspire people to take actions that contribute to the equality, dignity and just relationships among all Canadian citizens.

To realize true Reconciliation requires consistent efforts by all individuals, communities, service providers, leaders and all levels of government. The LHF works with teachers, school boards and universities, policing agencies, governments and officials, banks, unions, private businesses, etc. to help meet these goals with a unique and comprehensive collection of resources, exhibitions, workshops, research reports, etc.

Curriculum Resources

  • First Nations, Inuit and Métis experiences;
  • Placing Indigenous voices at the forefront of collective thought;
  • Comprehensive lesson plans, backgrounders, blackline masters and other teaching materials for grades 7-12 and beyond;
  • New resources for Kindergarten to Grade 6.
  • To purchase Curriculum, please click here.

Exhibitions

  • Standalone exhibits assembled on-site that showcases a unique museum experience in schools, offices and events;
  • Contain firsthand, Indigenous-centric accounts of key moments and experiences of the Residential School System and Sixties Scoop that promote healing and encourage acts of Reconciliation;
  • Free to borrow with shipping and handling at the borrower’s expense.

 

Workshops and Training

  • The ongoing intergenerational impacts of the Residential School System, the Sixties Scoop and the initiatives taken by Survivors and communities to heal and the steps needed to eliminate racism and foster meaningful relationships with allies;
  • Working toward Reconciliation initiatives in your community, profession or organization.

Research Reports

  • Research reports produced by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and the impacts of Residential Schools in the areas of justice, domestic violence, suicide, health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.
  • Coverage of issues and factors that contribute to Indigenous-related inequities in Canadian society;
  • Success factors, social wellness indicators and best practices for supporting Indigenous health, well-being, culture and economic prosperity.

Resources

The LHF has many bilingual resources available to educators, students, and researchers. They range from a DVD focussing on various aspects of residential schools to a full curriculum package consisting of six complete lesson plans with resources. The LHF specializes in creating curriculum on the history and legacies of the Residential School System. Our materials present the general history of the System in 100 Years of Loss, and also explore the specific experiences of Inuit and Métis students.

The LHF also has a full suite of workshop guides providing culturally-infused activities relating to aspects of the Residential School System. We provide in-service training to educators and facilitate workshops for schools and other organizations.

Generations Lost: The Residential School System in Canada

This bilingual program is designed to support educators and administrators in raising awareness and teaching about the history and legacy of residential schools – effectively providing practical tools that can be implemented in classrooms. These products come in response to demands from educators for complete in-class resources, and serve as an entry point to both the subject matter and to existing resources currently available at wherearethechildren.ca

While the LHF and its partners are engaged in efforts at the provincial/territorial level to facilitate the development of curriculum on the history and legacy of residential schools across Canada, these products serve the immediate needs of educators.

In 2011, the LHF introduced its very successful Edu-Kit. High production and shipping costs have compelled us to transfer the content into a smaller and more economical model, the Teacher’s Bundle. It contains the same teacher’s guide and DVD, as well as a fold-out printed timeline. The cost of the bundle is $45 which includes shipping. Order the Teacher’s Bundle here.

Download Resources and Curriculum Materials

Download Activity Guides and Our Other Resources

Testimonies

Warning: These videos contain subject matter that may be disturbing to some visitors, particularly Survivors of the Residential School System. Please call the Health Canada 24-Hour National Survivors Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 if you need assistance.

 Research Publications and Curriculum Materials

With the completion of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation’s mandate in 2014, the LHF became the heir to the AHF’s extensive library of research and publications. All resources below are downloadable for free. Click here to order hard copies while supplies last.