February 18, 2015 – Vancouver, BC – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, is pleased to announce the government’s gesture of reconciliation and support to the ‘Namgis First Nation’s decommissioning of the St. Michael’s Indian Residential School in Alert Bay, British Columbia.
Along with providing funding to demolish the building that was St. Michael’s Indian Residential School, the government is also supporting the community in its efforts to hold healing ceremonies at the site and develop a video documenting the perspectives of former students.
The Government of Canada remains committed to achieving fair and lasting reconciliation and building a new relationship between Aboriginal people and all Canadians based on acknowledging the past, reconciliation and moving forward toward a better future for all.
Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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