Journal Article

Experiences of Food, Gardens and Farming While Attending Indian Residential Schools in Canada: A Scoping Review

Ng, Eric, Massarella, Susan, Yessis, Jennifer, Freeman, Bonnie, Dias, Laura, Morrow, Teri, Simms, Chase, Juutilainen, Sandra, Hanning, Rhona

2025

Overview

The negative experiences of Indigenous children who attended Indian residential school are well documented. A scoping review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted, following the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley (2005). Most documents focused on the impacts of residential schooling among First Nations, but some included Métis and Inuit. Sixty-eight articles were selected for inclusion, analyzed and categorized by theme. Themes identified stemming from Indian residential schools’ food policies and practices included disruption in traditional food ways; underfeeding, child labour; and increased rates of obesity and diabetes later in life. Future strengths-based research utilizing Indigenous methodologies is needed to examine how allies and Indigenous communities are involved in actions to restore traditional food systems.