Akwesasne Residential School Survivors Observe Prime Minister’s Apology
Ohiari:ha / June 12, 2008Akwesasne, ONTARIO — Representatives from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and Indian Residential School survivors from Akwesasne were in attendance this afternoon as Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologized to former students. The apology for the treatment residential school survivors experienced at the federally funded schools marked a milestone in the healing and reconciliation process for former students, their families, and First Nation communities across Canada.
According to MCA Grand Chief Tim Thompson, “An apology for the abuse that residential school survivors endured has been long overdue.” The Grand Chief added, “First Nations People have patiently waited for the Canadian Government to officially acknowledge the countless atrocities that took place at these schools.”
Grand Chief Thompson was accompanied by residential school survivor and Tsi Snaihne District Chief Bill Sunday as the Prime Minister made Canada’s formal apology at 3pm in the House of Commons. Seven residential school survivors from Akwesasne made the trip to Ottawa to observe the apology.
“What was done to us was wrong,” said MCA District Chief Bill Sunday in recounting his experience at a residential school. He further stated, “We waited long enough for the Government to take responsibility for what happened to those that were forced to attend.”
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne provided transportation for any former student from Akwesasne to witness the apology. MCA also provided transportation for Akwesasne residential school survivors to attend events that were coordinated by the Assembly of First Nations and held on June 10th.
Approximately 150,000 Native children were separated from their families and communities against their will to forcibly attend residential schools until they ended in the 1970s. Attendance at any of the 132 schools across the country was mandatory as the federal government attempted to assimilate Native children into Christian society. At the residential schools, Native students suffered numerous types of abuses, including efforts to destroy their language and culture.
Prime Minister Harper acknowledged that the Indian Residential Schools was the saddest episode of Canada’s history that will continue to have damaging and lasting impact. Formally apologizing for the wrongs that were committed is the first step in the healing process.
Watch Prime Minister Stephen Harper Apologize
Part 1
Watch Prime Minister Stephen Harper Apologize
Part 2
