HealingtheWounds:NativeCanadianResidentialSchools

‘First and foremost, the sole act of a government apologizing, and taking responsibility for the incident brings closure to survivors, and families. For a prolonged period of time, next of kin’s for the victims wandered around Canada looking for the whereabouts of their loved ones and received not the slightest indication that someone was going to take responsibility for the mistreatment.  Acknowledgement from the government reassures victims that the state cares for their protection, and sends the message that acts of abuse on part of anyone will not be tolerated, even if it is the state itself. After the apology given by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on June 11, 2008, and the creation of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission, survivors reported that they were more likely to move on with their life, and appreciated the efforts made by the Canadian government to educate youth about the issue.  With the creation of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission, survivors now have the chance to share their stories and see that their sufferings are shared. All in all, the acceptance of responsibility by the government of Canada gave survivors and descendants the opportunity to remember victims, and lay their sorrow to rest.’