Ref. #2-3499
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (June 10, 2011) - The following statement was released today by the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development:
"June 11, 2011, marks the third anniversary of the Prime Minister's historic Apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools. The Apology represents a significant step towards healing and reconciliation and three years later, we have made tangible and real progress.
Our Government is determined to support true reconciliation with Aboriginal people: therefore we are pleased to acknowledge June 11th as the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation throughout Canada.
We have undertaken a series of gestures of reconciliation, as part of our ongoing commitment to renew and strengthen our relationship with Aboriginal people. During the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) first national event in Winnipeg, we announced the proposed repeal of the Indian Residential Schools sections of the Indian Act. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I also issued an apology to Inuit communities for the suffering caused by the relocation of families from Inukjuak and Pond Inlet to the High Arctic in the 1950s. Furthermore, the government continues to support the Advocacy and Public Information Program, which focuses on healing, youth and reconciliation.
Our Government continues to work diligently to resolve land claims and litigation arising from our past history, and to build a brighter future for Aboriginal Canadians. We are committed to improving education outcomes and creating economic activities.
We still have a long road to travel but I believe we can do this together. I look forward to the second TRC national event which will be held in Inuvik from June 28 to July 1, 2011. My department is working with other government departments to ensure a strong federal presence at this meaningful event. The TRC is an important part of the journey towards reconciliation; a journey on which we will work together to build a better future."
Minister's Office
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
