Media Advisory - Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation
Commission

OTTAWA , Oct. 9 /CNW Telbec/ - The Chairperson for the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair , together with Commissioners Marie Wilson and Chief Wilton Littlechild, will join Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada , for a "Witnessing the Future" ceremony on:

Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. , at Rideau Hall.

Former Indian Residential School "Survivors" and young children from their families, are the guests of honour for this event. Aboriginal leaders, church and government officials will also participate.

At the request of the Commission, the Governor General has accepted to be the TRC's Honourary Witness for this event. A special reconciliation ceremony will focus on listening to and learning from the legacy of Indian Residential Schools.

Additionally, the TRC will deliver important information concerning future mandate activities.

As a component of the 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the TRC is an independent body that will oversee a process to provide former students, former Indian residential school employees, and anyone else who has been affected by the Indian Residential Schools legacy, with an opportunity to share their individual experiences as part of the complete history of the schools.

Media personnel are asked to confirm their attendance in advance with the Rideau Hall Press Office and must arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance prior to 12:30 p.m.

A live webcast of the proceedings will be broadcast at www.trc-cvr.ca commencing at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15th, 2009 .

Pool audio - English and French will be available.

For further information: Rod Carleton, Media Relations, IRS Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Telephone/Téléphone: [phone], Cell/Cellulaire: [phone], [email protected]; Julie Rocheleau, Rideau Hall Press Office, [phone], www.gg.ca, www.citizenvoices.gg.ca