Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee on June 3rd, 2021

[Cathy McLeod, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

First of all, to the commissioners, it's hard to believe I was with you at the ceremony six years ago, when the report was released.

There has been some progress, but as you reflected, insufficient attention, resources, and urgency. I represent the area of Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, and I know that it was known. You brought an awareness, and this has rocked the country, certainly for people who weren't as aware as they needed to be or should have been.

I wish I had time. I would love to explore more of the issues around the records and whether there is anything we can do to compel action. I would be very interested in the comments from the Honourable Murray Sinclair about the investigation, and I wonder if it's too premature that the work needs to be done by communities for a parliamentary kind of investigation.

Unfortunately, we don't have the time. I just want to acknowledge the incredible burden you carry from hearing the very difficult testimony, which I'm sure still lives with you to this day.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bob Bratina]

Thank you.

Jaime Battiste.

[Jaime Battiste, Liberal, Sydney—Victoria, NS]

[Member spoke in Mi'kmaq]

[English]

I just wanted to thank you in my language.

This has been a difficult week for most of us, but for you this was your reality for years, listening to this and hearing this.

This emergency meeting was to help us reflect and understand based on your knowledge. We felt it was important to hear from you, as you live this every day.

There are so many questions as Canadians are going through the grief, the shock, the denial and the pain. Indigenous people are going through the same and are triggered, asking why: Why was our language, why was our culture, and why were our lives so insignificant? Why were we such a threat that this is what we went through?

I think your reflections have really helped us, and your words and recommendations continue to guide our work. We're going to be working hard in this committee to make sure the recommendations are implemented in full.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bob Bratina]

Thank you very much.

Ms. Bérubé, you have the floor.

[Sylvie Bérubé, Bloc, Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC]

Mr. Chair, I must first apologize to Mr. Littlechild. I have a great deal of respect and empathy for him and his testimony. I didn't mean to interrupt him earlier. I just wanted to understand his comments, with all due respect, because they were very important. I realize that I didn't handle this well and I apologize again.

I would also like to tell the witnesses that we're all saddened by the terrible news of this discovery. There may be more to come. I'm the Bloc Québécois critic for indigenous affairs and the member of Parliament for Abitibi—Baie‑James—Nunavik—Eeyou, in Quebec, where several indigenous communities are located. Small shoes were placed everywhere in memory of these children who didn't deserve what they experienced. What happened at that time remains incomprehensible.

Your testimonies are so important and touching. Meegwetch. Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bob Bratina]

Thank you so much.

Rachel Blaney.

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

I just want to thank everyone here so much for their testimony.

As the granddaughter of a survivor, and as the spouse of a survivor, my heart is with everyone across this country that had this experience, because I know how hard it is.

I guess what I would say is that I wish all Canadians could see the gaze of my husband when he looks at his children right now.

I want to acknowledge Chief Robert Joseph, who told us that even when we are angry we must carry these beautiful, precious souls in our hands and in our hearts, and remember that as we go through this process, we must send them to the better place so that they can be okay now.

I just want to thank you for giving all Canadians a pathway to doing this, because until all Canadians carry this the way indigenous people have carried this since the very start, they will not fully heal.

Thank you for your work. I appreciate it so much.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bob Bratina]

Thank you. Once again, to conclude, Wilton Littlechild mentioned the spirits that are among us, and behind me is a picture of The Eagles Among Us by David General, here in Hamilton.

I mentioned early on that through the current pandemic we were saddened by the reality of people, especially the elderly, passing away with no loved ones near to comfort them. Imagine the fate of these children, in a strange place, being overcome by illnesses, dependent on strangers to ease their suffering—if indeed any were there—tears in their eyes, all alone, feeling unloved as the darkness of death overcame them.

We are here today to tell their spirits that they are loved, and we will not disrespect the memory of those children who were lost.

Thank you, everyone. I'd like to take a motion to adjourn.

Mr. Powlowski, Ms. Blaney, all in favour?

This meeting is adjourned.