Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a historic apology Wednesday for more than a century of abuse and cultural loss involving Indian residential schools. Aboriginal leaders - some in traditional garb - sat in a circle in front of Harper in the House of Commons as he officially said sorry to former students on behalf of the federal government.
"The government of Canada sincerely apologizes and asks the forgiveness of the Aboriginal Peoples of this country for failing them so profoundly," Harper said. "We are sorry."
"Two primary objectives of the residential schools system were to remove and isolate children from the influence of their homes, families, traditions and cultures and to assimilate them into the dominant culture.
"These objectives were based on the assumption aboriginal cultures and spiritual beliefs were inferior and unequal. Indeed, some sought, as it was infamously said, 'To kill the Indian in the child.' read full story
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3 comments:
While I am sure that Native Canadians appreciate the apology this does not negate the fact that the government is still intent on stealing the land that they have left. It does not negate the fact that they are over represented in the prison population, experience the highest percentage of rape in Canada, and largely live in Canada. If I were native my next question would be will not that you said you are sorry, how are you going to make it better?
oops should read largely live in poverty in Canada...when will I learn to proof read?
"how are you going to make it better?"
Exactly, great question
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