Mr. Speaker, today I rise to once again give honour and pay tribute, on behalf of the Government of Canada, to the tens of thousands of aboriginal children who were isolated from their families, traditions and cultures by the Indian residential school system on this the second anniversary of the Prime Minister's truly historic apology. That apology stands as one of the pivotal moments in the journey to reconciliation between aboriginals and other Canadians.
The story of the residential schools tells of an education policy gone badly wrong. However, going forward, our government is working with all willing partners to strengthen and reform education and to support student success and provide greater hope and opportunity.
Next week, I will attend the first of seven national events being held by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. As noted recently by Mary Simon, president of ITK:
The only way you can have reconciliation between aboriginal peoples and other Canadians is to understand each other's cultures.
This first event of the TRC, and the ones to follow, represents significant opportunities in that journey toward reconciliation. I would strongly encourage all Canadians to take part in this and other initiatives being held across our country as we move forward together on reconciliation.
To quote the Prime Minister:
The burden of this experience has been on your shoulders for far too long. The burden is properly ours as a Government, and as a country.
Thankfully the era of positive change is upon us. The federal government is working in close partnership and collaboration with first nations, Métis and Inuit to help forge a new strengthened relationship between aboriginal people and other Canadians.
On this the anniversary, the historic statement of apology to former students of Indian residential schools, we must commit ourselves anew, that in word and deed we are not simply making up for past wrongs; we are going to make sure, and we are making sure, that the future is bright for all Canadians.