Anniversary of Government's Apology to Aboriginal Canadians

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AFN National Chief Honours Third Anniversary
of Apology for Residential Schools: Says Education is the Way Forward

OTTAWA, June 10, 2011

- Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today honoured the three-year anniversary of the Government of Canada's apology for the Indian residential school system, stating that First Nation education is a cornerstone of reconciliation between First Nations and all Canadians.

"Education was used as a weapon of oppression against our people, but it can now be the key to unlock the full potential of our children, citizens, communities and governments," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. "Today, we remember the tens of thousands of First Nation children ripped from their families and communities. We honour their stories, their voices and their legacy. As they work to heal themselves and one another, we call on all Canadians to support our call to action on First Nation education and to support fair and equitable education that values our languages and cultures."

The historic apology to residential school survivors was delivered in the House of Commons June 11, 2008. It was an important moment in the shared history of First Nations and Canada, a promise and commitment by Parliament and all of Canada to join First Nations on a journey toward healing and reconciliation, including the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

"I had the honour to be in Parliament, with my late Grandmother by my side, as the Prime Minister delivered those important words," said National Chief Atleo. "I will never forget the moment when my Grandmother turned to me and said: 'Grandson, they are beginning to see us'. She told me of a dream of trying to lift a heavy page and she then understood what it meant: it is now time for all of us to turn the page to a new chapter, together. That dream of reconciliation is something we must all commit to making a reality. We extend our hands to all Canadians in that spirit of partnership to work for a stronger Canada for all."

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission continues its important work gathering the stories from residential school survivors through its truth-telling process. National events are taking place throughout 2011. For more information on TRC events visit www.trc.ca.

This June also marks one year of the national Call to Action on First Nation education which National Chief Atleo launched to gather support by all sectors for equity in all levels of education for First Nations. As part of Advocacy, Awareness and Action month, AFN will be releasing a status report on the national Call to Action on First Nation education this June. See www.afn.ca for regular updates and follow online discussion at #FNhist.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. AFN and National Chief Atleo are on twitter. Follow @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms and @NCAtleo.

For further information:

Don Kelly AFN A/Communications Director 613-241-6789 ext. 334; 613-2922787 or dkelly@afn.ca

Jenna Young AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca
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OTTAWA, ONTARIO

- June 10, 2011

- The following statement was released today by the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development:

"June 11, 2011, marks the third anniversary of the Prime Minister's historic Apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools. The Apology represents a significant step towards healing and reconciliation and three years later, we have made tangible and real progress.

Our Government is determined to support true reconciliation with Aboriginal people: therefore we are pleased to acknowledge June 11th as the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation throughout Canada.

We have undertaken a series of gestures of reconciliation, as part of our ongoing commitment to renew and strengthen our relationship with Aboriginal people. During the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) first national event in Winnipeg, we announced the proposed repeal of the Indian Residential Schools sections of the Indian Act. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I also issued an apology to Inuit communities for the suffering caused by the relocation of families from Inukjuak and Pond Inlet to the High Arctic in the 1950s. Furthermore, the government continues to support the Advocacy and Public Information Program, which focuses on healing, youth and reconciliation.

Our Government continues to work diligently to resolve land claims and litigation arising from our past history, and to build a brighter future for Aboriginal Canadians. We are committed to improving education outcomes and creating economic activities.

We still have a long road to travel but I believe we can do this together. I look forward to the second TRC national event which will be held in Inuvik from June 28 to July 1, 2011. My department is working with other government departments to ensure a strong federal presence at this meaningful event. The TRC is an important part of the journey towards reconciliation; a journey on which we will work together to build a better future."