Church & Government of Canada Apologies
By the year 2008, most of the church denominations that were responsible for the operation of the residential schools in Canada had publicly apologized for their role in the neglect, abuse, and suffering of the children placed in their care. Most of these organizations apologized through their national offices, except for the Catholic Church who left it up to individual dioceses to make apologies.
- United Church of Canada (1986)
- Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate (Roman Catholic) (1991)
- Anglican Church (1993)
- Presbyterian Church (1994)
- Government of Canada (2008)
- Roman Catholic Church (2009)
In June of 2008, the Federal Government of Canada also apologized
for their historical role in the residential school system. By saying ‘we are
sorry,’ Prime Minister Stephen Harper acknowledged the Canadian government’s
role in a century of isolating native children from their homes, families, and
cultures.
Harper called residential schools a sad chapter in Canadian history
and indicated that the policies that supported and protected the system were
harmful and wrong.
For the thousands of Survivors watching from across Canada, the
government’s apology was an historic occasion, though the response was mixed.
The Aboriginal leaders who heard the apology from the floor of the House of
Commons called it a ‘positive step forward’ ‘even though the pain and scars are
still there.’
Most believe there is still much to be done. "The full story of the
residential school system’s impact on our people has yet to be told,” said
Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit, an umbrella group of B.C.
First Nations.
Abuse Survivor
Charlie Thompson watched the apology from the House gallery and said he felt
relieved to hear the Prime Minister acknowledge the horrible legacy. "Today I
feel relief. I feel good. For me, this is a historical day.”
