Check against delivery
(Acknowledgments…)
Let me begin by acknowledging and thanking the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations for welcoming us into your traditional territories.
This year marks the 125th anniversary of Stanley Park, a park that has continued to be a symbol of the natural beauty found throughout Vancouver and the surrounding region. And a park that holds unique meaning for so many people of many different backgrounds. Today Stanley Park plays a role of particular significance as we come together on traditional territory to remember our shared history, to honour the strength of all those affected by the Residential School system, and to continue the work of reconciliation. The City of Vancouver, a city that itself is emblematic of the diversity of Canada, has demonstrated thoughtful leadership in declaring this the Year of Reconciliation. I know that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Reconciliation Canada have taken on the important work together of raising awareness for all and to also include newcomer communities in the planning and preparation for this Week of Reconciliation.
Our Government remains committed to a fair and lasting resolution to the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, and I thank all of you for welcoming me to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's sixth national event. It is an honour to be here, to hear your stories, and to speak with you about the path forward. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has provided a path toward greater understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians of our shared history, and of the impact that the dark chapters of Canada's past have had on generations of Aboriginal children. And we are reminded of why we must continue the important work of reconciliation.
As the Prime Minister said in his historic apology, the government now recognizes that the consequences of the Indian Residential Schools policy were profoundly negative and that this policy has had a lasting and damaging impact on Aboriginal culture, heritage and language.
He also acknowledged policies like this have no place in Canada and can never be repeated.
We remember the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to learn the truth about what happened at residential schools, and to share that truth with all Canadians. Through their courage and determination, former students are helping us seek truth and reconciliation about our past by shedding light on one of the most regrettable chapters of our country's history. This event is an opportunity to pay tribute to, and honour the strength of former students and their families. Through the TRC they have engaged with, and educated the Canadian public on the legacy of the residential school system. This week's events play a critical role in the effort to move forward together.
I am glad that over 100 former students could travel here to attend this event. So that they may share their stories, but also to ensure that we can hear them. The act of sharing stories helps to bring us together and allows us to acknowledge and learn from our past. This is vital to our moving forward and to escaping the grip, the legacy of the Indian Residential schools has on survivors and their families.
As an expression of reconciliation, Canada has created a photo book of BC Commemoration projects, which I will place in the Bentwood Box today. A copy of this book is also on display at the federal booth.
The legacy of the Residential Schools system reaches beyond former students to affect their children, many of whom are now adults with children and grandchildren of their own. I have seen firsthand throughout my time as Aboriginal Minister, that this is a legacy that is still being felt in many communities.
Reconciliation starts with sharing the truth and experiences of former students and their families. As painful as it is for you to recount your stories, and as humbling as it is for Canadians to absorb what you endured, it is important that the truth be known. Our government has committed to preserve this legacy through a permanent historical record so that future generations can always remember what we have learned as a result of this experience.
These events are the starting point for an open and honest dialogue between Aboriginal people and Canadians across the country. One that enables us to overcome the problems of the past so we can move forward together as people, as citizens, as neighbours and as friends.
