Thank you, Mr.
Speaker.
Earlier this afternoon Prime Minister Stephen
Harper provided a statement of apology to former students of aboriginal residential schools.
I would like to offer this government’s acknowledgement of the Prime Minister’s apology to the aboriginal people and their families who have been hurt by their attendance at residential schools.
Most people in this territory have been impacted in some way by the effect of residential schools. Many have families or friends who were affected. Over half the Members of this Legislative Assembly attended residential schools themselves. All of us have witnessed the loss, sorrow and devastation caused by these schools. Many of the challenges Northerners face — from loss of language, culture and family connection, to addictions and further abuses — stem from the difficult personal and family situations created by the residential school system in our communities.
The Prime Minister’s apology is a glimmer of hope for northern students who passed through a dark part of Canadian history and finally marks the beginning of a period of healing and recovery. This apology is a necessary step on the healing journey of those who have suffered and suffer still. It does not mean the harm done to them by residential schools will go away, but it allows for a new chapter in this sorrowful book — a turning of the page that signals a new beginning and a time of reconciliation and hope for aboriginal families across our land.
Mr. Speaker, we have a great deal of work ahead of us to help those affected deal with the indignities, degradation and suffering that resulted from residential schools. Much of the planning we do in this Legislature is bound to the events of the residential school system.
For some there has been a positive side to their experience. Students met lifelong friends and received an education that started them on a successful career path, as we witnessed recently at a Yellowknife reunion of one NWT residential school.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT has granted casual leave to employees wishing to watch the apology or attend events marking the occasion. Let us also pause for a moment from our discussions and debates today to remember and pray for those students and family members who have suffered as a result of the residential school system. Let us reflect on their suffering and also on their strength. Let us honour the culture, language and community that has been retained even as we mourn for what was tragically lost.