Government Responsibility; Residential Schools

‘The residential school tragedy is an obvious situation where current governments must take responsibility for past governments’ actions. The reasons are clear: innocent children were manipulated; parents didn’t give consent as the system was mandatory; irreparable damage occurred to their culture and language, their family structure, their education and their general well-being. Today’s government has taken responsibility and have made considerable efforts to try and correct the mistakes and make reparations for the extremely unethical wrong- doings imposed upon the students and their culture. The Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established in the summer of 2008 to fulfill a five year mandate reviewing the history and events of the Canadian residential schools. Said to be a great historical turning point in the relationship between the Canadian Government and Aboriginal peoples, it is clear there are hopes in amends finally being made. Residential school survivors have demanded justice and reparations from the government and churches involved. In recent years, there is an increased awareness around the events that took place. The commission promotes healing and reconciliation and provides those negatively affected by residential schools with “a safe, respectful, and culturally appropriate environment in which to share their experiences”. The final report of the commission gives a better understanding of the system and provides recommendations to promote the healing process. In addition to the commission, a formal apology was given by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on June 11, 2008 on behalf of the Canadian government, both former and present. Finally, an Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement provides all former students of the Residential School System with $10 000 for the first year they attended, and another $3 000 for each year that followed. Other additional payments were also made for those who suffered from physical, sexual and psychological abuse, ranging from $5000- $275 000. Though long overdue, the current federal Canadian government is trying to make amends to rectify the wrong done in the past.’