Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I, too, would like to speak to the issue of Prime Minister Harper’s statement regarding the apology for residential schooling that happened to First Nations and Inuit people in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I had one of the unique experiences of growing up in Fort Simpson, and I
always
treasure that. I’ve met a lot of people over the years who have gone to residential school. I had to attend Akaitcho Hall because there wasn’t a school there, and I built a lot of bonds with many good friends who have gone through the system. For that, I’ll always treasure the experiences, knowledge and the relationships we’ve always had.
I felt that the place I went to was a caring organization, and it was okay for me. But I’ll tell you: my experience was that it wasn’t for everyone. The administration, the organization and the intent took care of many of us, but the stress of being taken away from families was too much to bear for many people. I remember many people going home — not a lot, but many people — because of the heartstrings it pulled upon and the problems it created there.
I want to commend other Members, such as David Krutko, for speaking about his experience and his relationships and the challenges they faced. As well, I want to recognize Mr. Menicoche for his experiences, which he’s spoken about today.
Mr. Speaker, I had a statement I couldn’t read today, because I think what happened today was a groundbreaking moment. As highlighted by Mr. Menicoche, this is not just going to be a page in history. This will be a new chapter on how we identify ourselves.
Mr. Speaker, even though maybe someone had thought this was right, fortunately someone is looking back and saying, This was completely wrong. I think that so much of the identity of people was erased over such a horrible period of time that it will take not just years but decades and decades for us to move forward.
My heart goes out to those who still struggle with challenges. I know people for whom this experience has not just changed their lives; it has permanently carved a new path for them. It’s not a path they willed upon themselves; it’s an experience that was forced upon them.
Mr. Speaker, I’m going to close by saying that I’m grateful for my experience. I’m not saying that every day was good, but I’m saying that this recognition was of the fact that many people struggled, and
they need that recognition and that apology, which came today.