Residential Schools Apology: Stephen Harper

On June 11, 2008, Canadians had the opportunity to witness one of the most significant days in our shared history. Prime Minister Stephen Harper stood up in the House of Commons and apologized to Canadian Aboriginal people for the atrocities commited upon them by the Canadian government through the residential schools.

We believe that this significant moment in history is meaningful to all Canadians but most notably to those directly affected by these institutions as well as those persons who continue to live with the legacy of residential schools.

We hope that this apology will set the foundation for further progress in rehabilitating the relationship between Aboriginal peoples in Canada and the Canadian government.

As you move forward as individuals and students we hope that this moment becomes part of what shapes your views regarding the history of Canada and of the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and Canada.

There have been other events that have great significance such as the inclusion of Sections 25 and 35 of the Canadian Constitution in which Aboriginal peoples’ rights have been recognized and entrenched, as well as the court decisions, such as the Calder and Delgamukw cases, which have set precedent in determining how those rights are recognized and implemented. Prime Minister Harper's apology will undoubtedly influence the future relationship between Canadians and Aboriginal people.

We invite you to witness this historic event:

Text of Stephen Harper's Apology

www.fns.bc.ca (the First Nations Summit website which includes a response to the apology) [edited by R. Giannetto]

First published on June 10, 2008