Summary
In an 1891 visit to the Battleford school Haytor Reed noted the high number of sick children and the inadequate medical care or facilities. This was followed by a report from Indian Agent, J. Day (1910), regarding the death of a student. He noted that this was the third student to die of tuberculosis that month.
Implications
Tuberculosis was common and at frequently went rampant through Residential Schools, with high death rates that were not common upon settler populations. By 1907, 25% of 1537 students had died during their time spent in Residential Schools. This incredibly high death rate was reflective of the Crown's inattention, irresponsibility, apathy, and intention to assimilate and remove Indigenous populations for settler benefit. By looking at a multitude of Residential Schools, it shows a pattern of abuse, disease, and neglect that bred the conditions where Tuberculosis rapidly spread.
Sources
(E. Matheson, Notice to "Ottawa, January 24, 1902, May 26, 1902, and January 28, 1903," B.S. (RG 10) Vol. 3885, Ottawa, P.A.C.,)
Sub Event
Inadequate Medical Care for Students
Resources
Date
1891-00-00
Community