From the forgiveness summit website...
In agreement with the apology presented by the Prime Minister of Canada on June 11, 2008, we, as Canadians, recognize that the treatment of children in Indian Residential Schools is a sad chapter in our history. Today, we recognize that this policy of assimilation was wrong, has caused great harm, and has no place in our country. We sincerely apologize and ask the forgiveness of the Aboriginal peoples of this country for failing them so profoundly. In addition to the apology of our government, we as members of the Church of Canada, through whose hands these policies and all their abuses were carried out, repent. We and our forefathers have sinned, we did not live what we preached. For this we also humbly ask the forgiveness of the First Peoples of this land.
You can add your name to this apology. You SHOULD add your name to this apology.
First Nations response..
We have heard your apologies for the terrible treatment of our people and families caused by the Indian Residential School policies. We believe your apologies are sincere. We also know that true forgiveness can help us all to heal from the painful past and move into a future of hope and relationships characterized by mutual respect and new honour. We know that our decision to forgive you can pave the way for freedom from the negative past not only for our people, but for many other peoples and nations.
We forgive you.
You can also sign this page if it applies to you. http://i4give-services.com/index.php?t=f
Oh, how I wish my country would do this. How lovely.
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather was adopted off a reservation many moons ago, back when the forced removal (boarding schools) of children was common. The ripple effects last for generations.