His point that the residential school system had many benefits  as well as negatives, is right on.

In fact, that would be true of nearly all schools of that era.

In my schooling 60 years ago, we had very strict teachers who strapped us and made us stand in the corner with a dozen books on our head.

Physical altercations also took place.
In all cases, our parents stood behind the teachers actions.

Other than 1-2 very bad teachers,,  we liked our teachers, learned to respect authority and received a decent education, given that we had 11 grades in 3 rooms and had to bring firewood to heat the school.

Such practises were endemic in outport Nfld.

So, were we also abused ?
I think not..