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Fritz
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Canada Apologizes
« on: 2008-06-14 21:02:29 » |
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Well, Canada now has joined the elite around the world:
South Africa
New Zealand
Australia
In formally apologizing to it's native people for doing whatever capitalist, military industrial countries do to folks that were there first and ran the place.
Most revealing to me was a quote from a 'legacy original inhabitant' the next day on the radio, "those assholes will keep doing what they do, they should just stop lying about it; talk is cheap".
Fritz .... (feeling smug since my ancestors just killed their fellow country men and not the original owners, the Romans had already done that ..... )
Source: Prime Ministers Office
Author: Spin Doctors
Date: 2008.06.06
On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered an historic formal apology today to former students of Indian Residential Schools and sought forgiveness for the students suffering and for the damaging impact the schools had on Aboriginal culture, heritage and language.
The treatment of children in Indian Residential Schools is a sad chapter in our history, Prime Minister Harper said. Today, we recognize this policy of assimilation was wrong, has caused great harm, and has no place in our country. The Government of Canada sincerely apologizes and asks the forgiveness of the Aboriginal peoples of this country for failing them so profoundly.
Todays apology reinforces numerous other government initiatives designed to address the tragic legacy of Indian Residential Schools, including the ongoing implementation of the historic Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement which includes: a Common Experience Payment; an Independent Assessment Process; Commemoration Activities; measures to support healing; and the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The Government recognizes that the absence of an apology has been an impediment to healing and reconciliation, said Prime Minister Harper. Years of work by survivors, communities and Aboriginal organizations culminated in an Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. These are the foundations of a new relationship between Aboriginal people and other Canadians, a relationship based on knowledge of our shared history, a respect for each other and a desire to move forward together with a renewed understanding that strong families, strong communities and vibrant cultures and traditions will contribute to a stronger Canada for all of us.
Northern and Indian Affairs Federal Government Canada
Overview of Resolution Sector
The Resolution Sector is responsible for addressing and resolving issues arising from the legacy of Indian Residential Schools. This sector was formerly the Department of Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada which was created in June 2001 to focus federal efforts toward managing and resolving abuse claims in a fair, less adversarial manner. To provide increased choice for former students in addressing their claims, the Government launched the National Resolution Framework in November 2003, which included a litigation strategy, health supports, a Commemoration Program and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.
In 2005, the Government of Canada appointed the Honourable Frank Iacobucci as the Government's Representative to lead discussions toward a fair and lasting resolution of the legacy of Indian Residential Schools. This appointment was in recognition of the need to settle the outstanding claims of former students in a more timely way. Mr. Iacobucci was provided a mandate to lead discussions with legal counsel for former students, the Assembly of First Nations, and legal counsel for Church entities.
On May 10, 2006, the Government of Canada announced the approval of a final Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. The settlement provides for a Common Experience Payment a lump sum payment will be available to former students who lived at one of the listed residential schools. Payments will be $10,000 for the first school year plus $3,000 for each school year after that. The Settlement Agreement also includes an Independent Assessment Process A process which will allow those former students who suffered sexual or serious physical abuses, or other abuses that caused serious psychological effects, to apply for compensation. The Settlement Agreement also includes collective measures including a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a Commemoration initiative, and funding for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and other health support programs.
The Resolution Sector works with former students of Indian Residential Schools, Aboriginal organizations, church representatives, and the Courts, to oversee the timely and effective implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
Important
This web site deals with subject matter that may cause some readers to trigger (suffer trauma caused by remembering or reliving past abuse). The Government of Canada recognizes the need for safety measures to minimize the risk associated with triggering.
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former Residential School students. You can access emotional and crisis referral services. You can also get information on how to get other health supports from the Government of Canada.
Please call the Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 if you or someone you know is triggered while reading the content on this web site.
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Fritz
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Re:Canada Apologizes
« Reply #1 on: 2008-07-16 19:11:26 » |
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[Fritz] The back story; to repent for my glib opener on the original post.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (Alternative Process)
North America - Canada
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples
NAME OF MECHANISM
YEARS OF OPERATION
August 1991 – Nov 1996
MANDATE AND OPERATIONS
Mandate: Established by the government to study the relationship between Aboriginal poeples, the Government of Canada and Canadian society as a whole, and to recommend improved policies towards indigenous communities. Inquiry looked at the periods from before the 1500s to 1996.
Staff: 7 commissioners, 4 Aboriginal, 3 non-Aboriginal. The co-chairs were Georges Erasmus, former national chief of the Assembley of First Nations, and Justice René Dussault from the Quebec Appeal Court.
Operations: The Commission visited Aboriginal communities across Canada, conducting public hearings and hearing briefs from over 2000 people. Over 350 research studies were commissioned.
FINAL REPORT
Final report issued in November 1996.
• Looking Forward, Looking Back (vol. 1)
• Restructuring the Relationship (vol.2)
• Gathering Strength (vol.3)
• Perspectives and Realities (vol.4)
• Renewal: A Twenty-Year Commitment (vol.5)
The Report emphasised the importance of understanding, mutual respect and equality. It recomended a new proclamation committing Canada to the creation of institutions and laws which would promote these and restore the balance of power. The report also recommended the redistribution of land and resources, improvements to the education system and an initiative to improve standards of housing, water supplies and sanitation, to ensure the improvement of the living and working conditions of the Aborginal people. Also recommended was funding for a ten-year training scheme to reduce the problem of unemployment.
The report also recognised the importance of increasing awareness of the Aboriginal people, their history and their way of life. This will require changes in the education system.
Finally, the report proposed the setting up of the Aboriginal Peoples Review Commission, an independent body to monitor and assess the Government's implementation of these proposals.
January 2008: In 2006, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People produced a report examining, ten years on, the extent to which the recommendations of their original report had been implemented.
There has been no Aborigial Peoples Review Commission created. There have been no long-term economic agreements made. There has been no treaty concerning the redistribution of land and resources. There has been no legislation recognising the right of Aboriginal peoples to self-government. There has been no ten-year training scheme to combat unemployment.
Instead, the Goverment's response has been limited to the provision of funding in some, very specific, areas including child development, housing, sewage infrastructure, water management and some aspects of educational reform.
The Royal Commission report states that the reality is continuing poverty amongst Aboriginal peoples, with the gap between the lifestyles of the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal not decreasing but increasing.
However, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission is in the process of being set up to examine human rights abuses said to have occurred in the federal-sponsored Indian schools. The Commission will run for five years, producing its report half-way through that period in order that it can spend the second half working with communities to promote healing and reconciliation. Robert Watts has been appointed interim director while a selection panel works through the 300 applications received from all over Canada. A shortlist for the Chairperson and two Commission members are expected to be published very soon. [Anglican Journal]
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http://media.knet.ca/node/2550
Submitted by admin on February 17, 2007 - 10:21am.
Community News
AFN press release ...
AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine announces Chief of Staff Bob Watts will become Executive Director of Truth and Reconciliation Commission; Roger Augustine appointed new Chief of Staff
OTTAWA, Feb. 16 /CNW/ - "I am very pleased to announce that my Chief of Staff, Bob Watts, has accepted a position as Interim Executive Director of the Truth and Reconciliation. Bob played a key role in the negotiation of the historic Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine. "An important element in the settlement will be the opportunity for survivors to tell their stories to a Truth and Reconciliation Commission."
"The fact that Bob has been chosen for this pivotal role speaks highly of the government's commitment to ensuring that this Commission fulfills the needs envisioned by its creation," said the National Chief. "I have asked that Roger Augustine assume the new role in my office as Chief of Staff. Roger is currently a senior advisor in my office, and brings sixteen years of experience as a former Chief of Eel Ground First Nation in New Brunswick, and as a former Indian Claims Commissioner.
"Please join me in congratulating Bob on his important posting, and in welcoming Roger as he carries out his new responsibilities."
These changes will take effect on Monday, February 19, 2007. Bob Watts can now be reached at 613-947-6556.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
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/For further information: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789 ext 229, (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca; Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief, (613) 241-6789 ext 243, (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca
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From http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/viewtopic.php?p=8016#8016
Truth and Reconciliation Commission - by Tehaliwaskenhas - Bob Kennedy, Oneida - February 18, 2007
"An important element in the settlement will be the opportunity for survivors to tell their stories. . ." Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
The first national Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canadian history is being created this year, as part of the comprehensive Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
What will it do?
"Promote public education and awareness about the Indian Residential School system and its legacy."
On Friday, AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine announced that his chief of staff, Robert Watts will be the Interim Executive Director of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He was a key AFN player in the negotiations that led to the settlement agreement.
A Truth and Reconciliation will have a budget of $60 million over five years.
Former students, their families and communities will be able to (if they wish - this is a volunary process) share their Indian Residential School experiences "in a safe and culturally-appropriate environment".
Short term - the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will undertake a series of national and community events.
Long term - it will establish a research centre for ongoing access to the records collected throughout the work of the Commission.
In December, the leader of the AFN issued a statement after Canadian courts said the settlement agreement is fair and reasonable.
“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will ensure that all Canadians will understand the significance of the serious harm done to our people. First Nations are determined to send the message to the world that ‘Never Again’ will such a racist agenda be tolerated in Canada.”
For more information about the residential school visit http://www.turtleisland.org/resources/resources001.htm
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http://www.anglicanjournal.com/issues/2008/134/jan/01/article/church-prepares-for-truth-commission-1/
Church prepares for truth commission
Art Babych and Marites N. Sison
staff writer
Jan 2, 2008
An ecumenical “leaders’ tour” is being planned this spring in five Canadian cities to generate support and awareness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which the federal government is forming as part of the revised Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
Anglican, Roman Catholic, United, and Presbyterian leader will team with aboriginal leaders at gatherings in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto and possibly Calgary that will begin a dialogue about “what the (commission) is and why we need it,” said Ellie Johnson, the Anglican church’s representative on the schools settlement portfolio.
Ms. Johnson told members of the Council of General Synod (CoGS) at their fall meeting that the ecumenical tour is intended to help generate interest about the commission among congregations and the Canadian public. “How do we get Canada interested in this?” asked Ms. Johnson. “It’s supposed to set the historical record straight in our country as well as set up an appropriate place for people to tell their stories. We know the broad outlines (about the legacy of the residential schools) and I feel we have a responsibility that other people know about it. It’s our common heritage.”
Meanwhile, in Ottawa, at a forum, the question of whether non-aboriginals can handle the truth about the abuses that happened in Canada’s Indian residential schools was raised by Robert Watts, the interim director of the commission.
One of the factors affecting healing and reconciliation between former residential school students and the rest of the country will be the “receptivity of the country to the truth,” said Mr. Watts, the former chief of staff to Phil Fontaine, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations. “We can have all the truth in the world, but if people aren’t listening … in terms of building for the future, we will miss an opportunity.”
He was speaking at a Nov. 19 event that included Bishop Mark MacDonald, the Anglican Church of Canada’s first national indigenous bishop. The event, titled, “Confronting our Aboriginal History: Towards Healing and Reconciliation,” was held at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, and was organized by the parish’s Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund committee.
Mr. Watts and his staff are seeking members to serve on the commission, which is to be an independent body appointed by a government order-in-council. A selection panel is sifting through more than 300 applications from across Canada, and was expected to come up with a short list for the position of chairperson and two commission members by early 2008.
During its five-year term, the commission’s duties will include hosting seven national events across the country to hear from residential school survivors, churches, and government. “We want to hear the voices of the people who were involved in the residential schools to help create an accurate history of residential schools,” said Mr. Watts.
Bishop MacDonald said he views the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as “an opportunity for us to acknowledge the truth.” He also drew on words of aboriginal elders when asked what parishes can do to help in the healing and reconciliation process. “Walk with us,” is what the elders would say, said the bishop. “At a very simple level, that’s a very profound thing to say … but consider for a moment that in North America, First Nations peoples have volunteered and died (in wars) at a higher rate than any ethnic group. The rates both increase in every war that’s been fought. First Nations people have known how to walk, sacrificially, with the rest of Canada on so many issues and have paid a price so dear in so many ways,” he said.
Ms. Johnson also told CoGS that the archives staff of the national church scoured 120,000 pages of various documents looking for names of former students of the native residential schools to help fill the gaps in government records. The archives found about 3,300 names which have been photocopied and sent to the federal government to help former students avail of the Common Experience Payment provided under the settlement agreement. Proof of attendance at these schools is required of each student. “There have been individuals with no records but this reference validated their claim. It’s worth the work,” said Ms. Johnson. She added that the archives has about 2,200 photos showing former students, but only 20 per cent have names attached to them.
General Synod archivist Nancy Hurn also met recently with diocesan archivists to plan how parish registries can be used to gather information on former students who died while in the residential schools, said Ms. Johnson. A committee within the commission has been created to research former students who died while in residential schools.
Art Babych is editor of CrossTalk, the newspaper of the diocese of Ottawa.
http://inshuckch.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!50E40D6025443FD4!1614.entry
ommission an opportunity ‘to acknowledge the truth,’ says bishop
Art Babych
Nov 27, 2007
Art Babych
Bishop Mark MacDonaldCan non-aboriginals handle the truth about the abuses that happened in Canada’s Indian residential schools?
That is a concern of Robert Watts, named early this year as the interim director of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, part of the $4-billion settlement agreement reached between the federal government, the churches involved in running the schools and the Assembly of First Nations.
One of the factors affecting healing and reconciliation between residential school survivors and the rest of the country will be the “receptivity of the country to the truth,” said Mr. Watts, the former chief of staff to Phil Fontaine, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations. “We can have all the truth in the world, but if people aren’t listening … in terms of building for the future, we will miss an opportunity.”
He was speaking at a Nov. 19 event that included Bishop Mark MacDonald, the Anglican Church of Canada’s first national indigenous bishop. The event, titled, “Confronting our Aboriginal History Towards Healing and Reconciliation,” was held at Ottawa’s Church of St. John the Evangelist, and was organized by the parish’s PWRDF committee.
Mr. Watts and his staff are seeking members to serve on the commission, which is to be an independent commission appointed by government order-in-council. A selection panel is sifting through more than 300 applications from across Canada, and is expected to come up with a short list for the position of chairperson and two commission members by early in the new year.
During its five-year term, the commission’s duties will include hosting seven national events across the country to hear from residential school survivors, churches, and government. “We want to hear the voices of the people who were involved in the residential schools to help create an accurate history of residential schools,” said Mr. Watts.
The commission is to table a report on the historical findings of its research half way through the project and provide a listing. “We’re hopeful in the second half of the mandate that we’ll have an opportunity to do a lot of important things at the community level, to work with indigenous communities in terms of truth telling, and working with them in terms of healing,” said Mr. Watts.
Bishop MacDonald said he views the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a “doorway” and “an opportunity for us to acknowledge the truth.” He also drew on words of aboriginal elders when asked what parishes can do to help in the healing and reconciliation process. “Walk with us,” is what the elders would say, said the bishop. “At a very simple level, that’s a very profound thing to say … but consider for a moment that in North America, First Nations peoples have volunteered and died (in wars) at a higher rate than any ethnic group. The rates both increase in every war that’s been fought. First Nations people have known how to walk, sacrificially, with the rest of Canada on so many issues and have paid a price so dear in so many ways,” he said. “And they continue to do that.”
The bishop is optimistic about an improvement in the relationship between First Nations people and non-aboriginals. “That isn’t necessarily because the institutions have become so wonderful, but it appears to be that the Creator, through the Spirit, is doing things in peoples’ hearts and minds that have the capacity to transform institutions,” he said. “I see a lot of good things in motion.”
Art Babych is editor of CrossTalk, the newspaper of the diocese of Ottawa.
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Where there is the necessary technical skill to move mountains, there is no need for the faith that moves mountains -anon-
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