Students at All Saints, Lac La Ronge, SK, residential school in the 1940s
OTTAWA-The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Carolyn Bennett, issued the following statement on June 11, 2018:
Today we reflect on a historic milestone in our journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples: the tenth anniversary of the Government of Canada's Apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools, their families and communities.
The Government of Canada recognizes that true and lasting reconciliation cannot be achieved through any one single agreement, and that the Settlement Agreement is not a complete answer to the wrongs of the past or the challenges of the present. We know there is more to do, including working with the Métis Nation and all other Indigenous peoples not included in that agreement to ensure they feel part of Canada's efforts to address past wrongs. We will continue to work together to advance reconciliation, support the revitalization of Indigenous languages, the promotion of Indigenous culture, commemoration, and the healing and well-being of those affected by the harmful policies of the past.
That is why we feel it is important to release versions of the apology in a number of Indigenous languages today so survivors hear that message in the language they were forbidden to use at these schools.
On this tenth anniversary of the Apology to Residential School survivors, I would like to reaffirm our Government's commitment to advancing reconciliation and improving the lives of Indigenous Peoples. We will continue to work with survivors and their representatives to bring closure to this sorrowful chapter in our history, as we rebuild our relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, partnership and trust."
