Speech for
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, PC, MP
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
At the
Closing Event of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Ottawa, Ontario
June 2, 2015
As delivered
Thank you. Elders, survivors, commissioners, chiefs, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is a profound honour for me to be with you today, and to be a part of this closing event of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This occasion marks a significant milestone in the successful implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. This dark chapter in Canada's history has left a mark on our country, and while this is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Closing Event, we must continue to work to reach our ongoing commitment of lasting reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.
I am confident that we can build on the important work that's been done and continue to heal as a nation.
We know that learning the truth has been central to the exercise of reconciliation.
The truth about what happened to the over 150,000 Aboriginal children who attended residential schools between 1874 and 1996; the impact that residential schools have had on the approximately 80,000 living former students; and the intergenerational trauma that has resulted from residential school experiences.
Indeed the truth will not only help us to remember, but also to look forward and to focus on the next generations of children – to strengthen their potential for success.
At this time, I would like to acknowledge the Commissioners and the staff of the Commission for their hard work and dedication to inquire and document residential schools experiences, impacts and consequences; to provide a safe setting and support for former students, their families and their communities and to compile a historical record of the Indian residential schools system and legacy.
Ministers of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development have had the privilege of attending all seven National Events held by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Personally, I have been honoured to attend events in Montreal, Vancouver and Edmonton. Here in Ottawa-Gatineau, I had the pleasure of taking part in Sunday's Walk for Reconciliation and in the Grand Entry yesterday morning and I look forward to tomorrow's ceremony at Rideau Hall.
I also had the honour of meeting with former students and youth whose strength and resilience in sharing their experiences is truly admirable and crucial for all of us to move forward together towards reconciliation.
The parties to the Settlement Agreement have an on-going role to play in not only successfully concluding the other parts of the Settlement Agreement, but in taking the torch from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to further improve relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada and achieve reconciliation.
Now, this is not going to be an easy journey, but we have begun to build the knowledge, the tools and the relationships, and today I hope that we can commit to continue moving forward with the same determination that we have shown since the beginning of this very important mandate.
Canada would like to re-affirm its commitment to advancing reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples on the issue of residential schools and its legacy.
Compiled through the work of the Commission, the historical record of Indian residential schools, made possible by the thousands of individuals who with courage came forward to tell their stories, is an achievement of national significance.
It is also necessary to ensure Canadians have a greater understanding of the long-lasting harms caused by the Indian residential school system for Aboriginal people across Canada.
Reconciliation is not to forgive and forget, but to remember and change. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has stated that reconciliation is a goal that will take the commitment of multiple generations and to that end, Canada is committed to continue building on the Prime Minister's historic Apology to former students of Indian residential schools, their families and communities.
The Apology affirmed Canada's commitment to joining Aboriginal peoples on a journey of healing towards reconciliation.
Since the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Canada has worked to fulfill its responsibilities and obligations under the Settlement Agreement, and will continue to do so.
The work released today by the Commission points to the challenges that exist for many Aboriginal people and communities across the country.
It was with great sadness that I heard that many who were abused and bullied have carried a burden of shame and anger for their entire lives and I want to send all of these people a message.
I mean those who should feel shame are not the victims, but the perpetrators.
Like Prime Minister Harper said in the Apology:
"these institutions gave rise to abuse or neglect and were inadequately controlled, and we apologize for failing to protect you. Not only did you suffer these abuses as children, but as you became parents, you were powerless to protect your own children from suffering the same experience, and for this we are sorry. The burden of this experience has been on your shoulders for far too long. The burden is properly ours as a Government, and as a country. There is no place in Canada for the attitudes that inspired the Indian Residential Schools system to ever prevail again."
As mentioned in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's findings, reconciliation requires public education and dialogue, including youth engagement about the history and legacy of residential schools and to that end and in order to ensure we continue the work that we have started, as a gesture of reconciliation, our Government will provide support to Reconciliation Canada and the Legacy of Hope to continue to raise awareness about the legacy of residential schools and to engage Canadians in dialogues and public education through events and educational tools related to reconciliation.
Also, as has been made clear in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's work, we must preserve the legacy of Indian residential schools and for that, our Government will be providing support towards the important work of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with the University of Manitoba.
The Centre will house the millions of historical records collected by the Commission from the parties to the Settlement Agreement.
The stained glass window installed in the Centre Block of Parliament is a poignant reminder of the true meaning of reconciliation, not only for the Members of Parliament who enter through the door above which it sits, but for all Canadians. Designed by Christi Belcourt, this lasting symbol includes the idea that we are all "looking ahead." The message of the window is "not only to forgive, but to remember and to seek change, for former students and their families, but also for the "unborn", the next generations."
It is in this spirit that Canada pledges that it will continue its efforts to advance reconciliation in this great country of ours. Thank you.
