Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over 100 years ago, Aboriginal children in Canada were sent to Indian residential schools funded by the federal government and run by Christian churches. Children were stripped of their language and cultural identity. Many were abused and neglected. Traditional practices that once bonded families together were damaged.

Canada’s attempt to wipe out the Aboriginal cultures failed, yet we’re still reeling from the effects. There’s an urgent need for reconciliation for the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. May 26th is the National Day of Reconciliation and Healing declared by our government, so it’s a good time to talk about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, or the TRC as it’s commonly known.

The TRC emerged out of a $5 billion settlement in 2007 between the federal government, Canadian churches and the Aboriginal people. Through the TRC independent assessment process, nearly

40,000 claims have been made. Over four million government and church documents have been collected. The testimony and the evidence has been described as devastating, incredible, beyond belief and out of this world.

In March 2014 I was fortunate enough to attend the TRC national event in Edmonton. Thousands of survivors, including myself, gave witness statements. Dozens of church representatives were also on hand to offer personal apologies.

During the event, the Alberta Aboriginal Relations Minister announced that K to 12 curriculum will include contents on the history of the residential schools.

In a similar move, the mayor of Edmonton unveiled plans to educate all city municipal workers. Edmonton has one of the largest urban populations in the country. The goal is to provide services in a more sensitive and compassionate manner

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has shed light on the shameful past as part of our past. It has accomplished a great deal. Now we need to keep the momentum going. One way to do this is to recognize how the legacy of residential schools affects Aboriginal families today. Thousands of NWT residents are dealing with this legacy. It is called intergenerational trauma. This trauma is one of the root causes of child maltreatment. It also contributes to alcohol and drug abuse, mental health issues, domestic violence and poverty.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted