National Day of Reconciliation

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National Day of Reconciliation
PERSPECTIVE - Has there been progress since Canada apologized?

Aboriginal leaders inform the Canadian Senate
June 11, 2009
viewtopic.php?p=10237#p10237
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A message from the Canadian Human rights Commission . . .

June 11, 2009 marks the first anniversary of the historic apology that was made to Indian Residential School Survivors by the Government of Canada.

On this day, we are reminded of our responsibility to confront and resolve the most challenging and difficult human rights issues. The apology was a crucial step in acknowledging past human rights violations against Aboriginal people in Canada, and in beginning the process of healing for residential school survivors, and indeed, for the entire country and all the people of Canada.

At the Canadian Human Rights Commission, we are cognizant that Canada needs to be vigilant to continue to protect and promote respect for human rights. Discrimination has not ceased to exist in this country. Commissions and tribunals play a role in resolving, managing and ultimately preventing discriminatory practices. We work, with others, towards building a culture that respects human rights. And our work, collectively, is far from over. Challenges facing Aboriginal people continue to be among the most pressing human rights issues in Canada. The repeal of section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act, which previously denied full access to human rights protection to First Nation people living under the Indian Act, was one step forward on the path of addressing those challenges. There is much, much more to be done.

Today is a time to remember that the circumstances which led to the widespread removal of children from their families, the loss of language and culture and familial ties, must never be allowed to happen in this country again, to any group.
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Manitoba News Release

June 11, 2009

MANITOBA INTRODUCES RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS CURRICULUM

Manitoba students in grades 9 and 11 will learn about residential schools through new classroom resources that include personal interviews with survivors, Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.

"We are developing made-in-Manitoba educational resources to honour residential school survivors and record their stories," Bjornson said. "Teachers will be better equipped to help students understand the history of residential schools as well as the long-term impact they have had on First Nations, Métis and Inuit people."

From Apology to Reconciliation, a Manitoba Residential Schools Survivors Social Studies Project will provide culturally appropriate classroom resources that respect Aboriginal perspectives, the minister said. Components of the project include a video and teaching guide, a speakers' bureau, an interactive website and extensive bibliography, and a residential schools student gallery walk.

The provincial government is working with various partners to develop the resources. At this time, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba are working on the development of a Residential Schools Speakers' Bureau to provide a unique perspective on the residential schools experience. Students have also developed art and stories that will be on display today at an event hosted by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs at Memorial Park.

"The video currently under development will include interviews with residential school survivors from all regions of Manitoba as well as archival footage and examples of the reconciliation process," Bjornson said. "We have taken many steps forward in the past year and we hope the good work being undertaken in Manitoba will facilitate healing and strengthen the new relationships we have formed."

Today marks the first anniversary of Prime Minister Steven Harper's historic formal apology to Aboriginal people for the treatment they received in residential schools. The Manitoba government hosted a reception to honour survivors and those affected by residential schools on June 12, 2008, in response to the federal government apology. Statements were delivered in the Manitoba Legislature by Premier Gary Doer as well as ministers and other elected members.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 11, 2009

TORONTO - First Nations in Ontario are taking action to distribute information and raise awareness about the current status of education in their communities and the importance of quality and well resourced education for their students on the National Day of Action and throughout the summer. “I encourage First Nation communities across Ontario to organize activities within their communities with the goal of obtaining support from all Ontarians on key First Nation Education issues,” stated Angus Toulouse, Ontario Regional Chief.

First Nations have been saying for many years that the state of education needs to be addressed – and they are not alone. The Internal Audit on the Post Secondary Education Program (January 2009) as well as the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s Report on ‘The Funding Requirement for First Nations Schools’ (May 2009) both point to serious issues with the way the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is managing First Nation education programs. These reports confirm what First Nations have been saying for some time including that the policies are outdated and ineffective and that funding mechanisms are poorly designed resulting in significant challenges for First Nation learners.

Building awareness and understanding within the Ontario and Canadian public about the challenges First Nations face is important, says Toulouse. “Awareness is a powerful tool. It increases the opportunity for parties to become engaged in developing solutions. As cited by the Auditor General of Canada – the gap in education attainment between First Nations and the general population is 28 years and is actually increasing. First Nations are determined to close this gap but require the support of all parties to make this happen. We have the fastest growing population in Canada, and investing in education will have significant and positive impacts on First Nation communities as well as the broader Canadian economy.”

In fact, the Canadian Centre for the Study of Living Standards calculated in a 2008 study that closing the education gap between First Nations and other Canadians would add an additional $72 billion to the economy over the next ten years.

Building awareness is only one of the steps, but it is an important one. “We believe that INAC and First Nations can work together to close this education gap. While the need for fair, stable funding is a key factor, it is not the only issue. It is also about working together to create lasting policy and program solutions that support First Nations student success.”

The Chiefs in Ontario, comprising the 133 First Nations in Ontario, is a political forum and secretariat for collective decision-making, action and advocacy.

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For more information and/or interviews, please contact:
Kathleen Pilcher
Chiefs of Ontario
(807) 626-9339
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National Aboriginal Health Organization :
Message from Paulette C. Tremblay, Ph.D., CEO of the National Aboriginal Health Organization,
in support of the National Day of Reconciliation

I am pleased to support the upcoming National Day of Reconciliation on June 11, 2009 to mark the first anniversary of Canada’s apology for its treatment of children, parents and families as a result of the Indian Residential School system.

NAHO is committed to advancing the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. The apology is an important gesture towards healing of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities affected by the Residential School experience. The healing journey continues with the programs and initiatives for and by survivors and their families.


The National Day of Reconciliation is also a time to celebrate our culture through the participation of Elders, the ceremonies, performances, and children’s circle dance that will take place throughout the day. Our cultural heritage provides important understandings about how to
live in the world including the ability to spring back from adversity, successfully adapt to life’s challenges, and to seek harmony and understanding.

It is fitting that children will take the lead in carrying out the greetings and performances as well as presenting their “Hopes and Dreams of a Better Canada.” In First Nations, Inuit and Métis societies, close and warm family and community relationships are important, and we like to take
every opportunity to show our children that we care about them and that we look to them to contribute in positive ways to the life of our Nations.

The National Day of Reconciliation is an opportunity to move forward towards realizing the hopes and dream of our youth for a just Canada. As such, we invite all Canadians to join us in this commemorative event sponsored by the Assembly of First Nations and their many partners to get a greater understanding of the health issues affecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, celebrate our culture, and to walk with us in a new era of reconciliation and new relationships between our peoples and all Canadians.
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Reconciliation – 1st anniversary of federal apology

Numerous community, church and labour organizations joined First Peoples and non-aboriginal communities by organizing events that recognized the first anniversary of the federal government’s apology to First Nations, Métis and Inuit people of Canada on the issue of residential schools.

Individuals, unions, groups and communities participated in the June 11 national symbolic act of reconciliation. Part of the apology called for the establishment of a new standard of behavior toward Aboriginal Peoples.

First Peoples are asking to turn the apology into substantive action, which both reconciles and addresses:

the sub-standard living experienced by First Peoples compared to the rest of Canada,
the need to raise the educational levels for schools operated by First Peoples,
and improvements to the child and family services levels operated by First Peoples.
At the Ottawa event, participants, including many CUPE members, marched from Victoria Island to Parliament Hill. The event included a round/friendship dance (traditional display of friendship and goodwill) with pow wow singers and drummers and numerous speakers.

Some of the issues discussed along with the residential school issue were the Jordan Principle, equality in child welfare funding, the Attawapiskat school campaign, the disarming of border guards and reopening the Canada-US crossing in Cornwall that saddles the Mohawk’s territory.

The National Day of Reconciliation is a day to focus public awareness on the Residential School Settlement Agreement and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It is an opportunity to call on the political leaders of our country to recognize the true meaning of reconciliation and that of future possibility.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 11, 2009
Statement by New Democratic Leader Jack Layton on the National Day of
Reconciliation for Canada’s First Nations

On this day one year ago the Parliament of Canada made an historic apology to First
Nations, Inuit and Métis people for their treatment in residential schools. Powerful
words were spoken in the House of Commons – and accepted with a generous and
open heart by those First Nations who heard them.

Today we renew that spirit of reconciliation, and in that renewal we must reaffirm our
commitment to addressing the terrible inequality faced by First Nations communities.
An apology is an important first step, but cannot alone reverse one hundred and fifty
years of discrimination and neglect.

Thousands of First Nations children are still without schools, clean water, affordable
food, good health care and basic housing. Such injustice is a stain on the conscience
of all Canadians.

We must provide the funding and support to First Nations for better health care,
education and healthy living, coupled with greater recognition of the rights necessary
to making critical decisions within the community. We must work harder to value the
aboriginal history of Canada and all that First Nations peoples have contributed to our
culture.

It was in this spirit that Jean Crowder, the New Democrat critic for First Nations, Inuit
and Métis affairs, passed a motion last week – with unanimous consent – that
recognised June as National Aboriginal History Month. This is one more step in the
process of reconciliation, a step towards ensuring all Canadians celebrate and
acknowledge the diverse history of our First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
On this day, I urge all of you here to find your way to celebrate and honour this month
– and to encourage others to do the same.

And while today we renew the spirit of reconciliation, we also recognise that the hard
work of ending inequality for First Nations still lies ahead.
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STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

June 11, 2009
Office of the Premier


PREMIER'S STATEMENT ON NATIONAL DAY OF RECONCILIATION

VICTORIA - Premier Gordon Campbell made the following statement to commemorate
the National Day of Reconciliation:

"On this day one year ago, British Columbians witnessed the Prime Minister
delivering a historic apology to survivors of residential schools. It was a
recognition of the suffering of the survivors. It was an opportunity to begin
the healing process. It was a beginning, not an end.

"I congratulate the federal government on continuing this process of
reconciliation by declaring June National Aboriginal History Month. The
celebration of National Aboriginal Day on June 21 will now be bolstered by a
month of cultural awareness. I encourage British Columbians to take this
opportunity to learn more about the significant contributions Aboriginal people
have made to our province and our country.

"In B.C., we are building on our New Relationship with Aboriginal people. This
relationship was founded on mutual respect, recognition and reconciliation. We
are building economic opportunities in Aboriginal communities. We are supporting
the development of Aboriginal governance. We are working to improve the lives of
Aboriginal people.

"Through the New Relationship, we are working with Aboriginal people to close
long-standing social and economic gaps between Aboriginal people and other
British Columbians. Reconciliation is an integral part of that process. Today's
important anniversary is an opportunity for all British Columbians to reflect on
the importance of reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples, and consider what more
we can achieve in the future."

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Nursing groups mark National Day of Reconciliation with launch of cultural competency framework

OTTAWA, June 10,2009

- The Aboriginal Nurses Association of
Canada (A.N.A.C.), together with its partners, the Canadian Nurses Association
(CNA) and the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), will mark
June 11, the National Day of Reconciliation, with the launch of Cultural
Competence and Cultural Safety in Nursing Education: A Framework for First
Nations, Inuit and Métis Nursing.
Rosella Kinoshameg, president of A.N.A.C., said the framework "will
provide the guiding principles greatly needed in the education and safe
learning environment of nursing students and their preparation to provide
culturally safe care."
"The new framework sets positive standards that affirm the resiliency of
First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures and will enhance health care and
treatment for Aboriginal people in the Canadian health-care system," said
Kaaren Neufeld, president of the Canadian Nurses Association.
"CASN is committed to the framework. It is a vital first step to
integrating cultural competency into BScN programs from coast to coast," said
Lynnette Stamler, CASN president. "We are excited to be part of the 'Making it
Happen' team."
The framework is the result of a project - funded by the Aboriginal
Health Human Resources Initiative, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch,
Health Canada - called Making it Happen: Strengthening Aboriginal Health Human
Resources. The joint venture addressing cultural proficiency is now in its
second phase, integrating cultural safety competencies into the curriculum of
select Canadian schools of nursing.

Background

The National Day of Reconciliation focuses on confronting past attempts
at cultural assimilation and the ongoing inequities facing Aboriginal people.
For more information, visit the Assembly of First Nations' website at
http://www.afn.ca.


For further information: Maria Jacko, Project Coordinator, A.N.A.C.,
(613) 724-4677, ext. 24, mjacko@anac.on.ca

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Students Support First Nations Day of Reconciliation

OTTAWA, June 10, 2009

On Thursday, June 11, university and
college students will be participating in the First Nations Day of
Reconciliation that marks the one-year anniversary of the government's
historic apology for the residential school system. Students will be marching
in solidarity with Aboriginal organizations that are calling on the federal
government to address the many injustices still facing Aboriginal peoples
across the country.

"Last year, the federal government took an important step towards
reconciliation by apologizing to residential school survivors," said Thomas
Roussin, Aboriginal students' spokesperson for the Canadian Federation of
Students (CFS). "Now is the time to turn words into action. The federal
government must address the poverty afflicting Aboriginal communities through
meaningful investments in areas such as post-secondary education."

Since 1996, annual increases to funding for the Post-Secondary Student
Support Program, which provides financial support for First Nations and Inuit
students, have been capped at two percent. When accounting for inflation and
population growth, the value of the federal government's contribution to
Aboriginal post-secondary education has declined significantly. Over 2,500
Aboriginal students are denied funding each year as a result.

At the May 2009 general meeting of the CFS National Aboriginal Caucus,
Aboriginal student representatives from across the country resolved to support
the Day of Reconciliation spearheaded by the Assembly of First Nations.

"Aboriginal peoples and communities are facing a number of challenges",
said Katherine Giroux-Bougard, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation
of Students. "It is critical that the federal government build upon its
apology through meaningful, immediate, and tangible action for Canada's
Aboriginal peoples."

The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest student
organisation, representing over one half million college and university
students at more than 80 campus students' unions across Canada. The
Federation's National Aboriginal Caucus unites Aboriginal students on campuses
across Canada.


For further information: Thomas Roussin, Aboriginal Students'
Representative, (306) 596-6716 (cell); Katherine Giroux-Bougard, National
Chairperson, (613) 261-7528 (cell)

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Assembly of First Nations Announces "National Day of Reconciliation" to be Held June 11th, 2009

OTTAWA, May 18, 2009

Thursday, June 11, 2009 marks the first
anniversary of Canada's apology for its treatment of children, parents and
families as a result of the Indian Residential School Systems. Assembly of
First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine is calling on Canadians to join him
and many others from across the country in Ottawa on June 11 to participate in
a "National Day of Reconciliation" event that will remind the federal
government that the apology calls for the establishment of a new standard of
behaviour toward Aboriginal people.

"Last year, the Prime Minister made a moving and heartfelt apology to
residential school survivors on behalf of all Canadians," said National Chief
Phil Fontaine. "Now is the time to move forward on the next step in our
journey, and that is to enter a new era of reconciliation in Canada. We
believe Canadians care, and that they believe in fairness and justice. This is
an opportunity to renew relations between First Nations and non-Aboriginal
communities. Reconciliation belongs to all of us."


On June 11, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper stood in the House of
Commons and stated: "There is no place in Canada for the attitudes that
inspired the Indian Residential Schools system to ever again prevail... You
have been working on recovering from this experience for a long time and in a
very real sense, we are now joining you on this journey."

"June 11th will now be a day to put meaningful action to the many fine
words that have been given to us by way of apologies from the residential
school era," the National Chief said. "We once again offer our hand to work in
partnership with the governments, the Churches, and the people of Canada, to
make this land a better place for First Nation people, and all Canadians."

The National Chief is inviting everyone to Ottawa, but is also
encouraging communities across the country - First Nations, Aboriginal and
Non-Aboriginal - in every reserve, town and city to participate in what he
called a "National Day of Reconciliation". To do so would send a strong
message to the government about Reconciliation.

The National Day of Reconciliation will begin with a sunrise ceremony at
5:30 a.m. on Victoria Island. Members of the public are welcome to participate
or observe. At noon, First Nations leaders will meet with church leaders and
politicians for a symbolic handshake on the Portage Bridge, followed by a
march of unity to Parliament Hill. At the Hill, children will invite everyone
to participate in a Round Dance, a traditional display of friendship and
goodwill.

"Our march on June 11 in Ottawa will be symbolic of the journey we must
all make together," the National Chief stated. "We will reach our destination
when First Nations live in healthy communities and raise children who can
pursue their goals and dreams, and when First Nations share in the riches of
this, their traditional homeland."

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing
First Nations in Canada.

For further information: Bryan Hendry, Senior Policy Advisor, Assembly
of First Nations, (613) 241-6789, ext. 229, cell: (613) 293-6106,
bhendry@afn.ca; Don Kelly, A/Communications Director, Assembly of First
Nations, (613) 241-6789, ext. 334, cell: (613) 292-2787, dkelly@afn.ca; Wayne
Courchene, Senior Aide to the National Chief, Assembly of First Nations, (613)
241-6789, ex. 257, cell: (613) 292-2562, wcourchene@afn.ca