Government of Canada Participates in Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Alberta National Event

Minister expresses Canada's commitment to healing and reconciliation at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's seventh national event

EDMONTON, March 27, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Bernard Valcourt participated in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) seventh and final national event held in Edmonton, Alberta.

As a gesture of reconciliation at the TRC's Alberta National Event, Canada provided support to approximately 500 former students so they could attend the event and share their experiences. Additionally, in partnership with the University of Alberta Museums Enterprise Square Galleries, the federal government is presenting a special art exhibit, "kîyas aspin" (it's been a long time since), showcasing works of art by 12 Aboriginal artists from Alberta including Alex Janvier, Jane Ash Poitras and George Littlechild.

The Government of Canada remains committed to achieving a fair and lasting resolution to the legacy of Indian residential schools, which lies at the heart of reconciliation and the renewal of the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians. The Government continues to implement the elements of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA).

Quick Facts

• The theme for the Edmonton National Event: It's About Wisdom - A National Journey for Healing and Reconciliation.
• The TRC is mandated to host seven national events in different regions across Canada. The Alberta National Event is the seventh and final national event. A closing ceremony will also be held.
• In November, the Government announced it would work with the courts and all parties of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement to provide a one-year extension to the TRC's operating period. The court approved the request in January 2014.
• In 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a historic Apology to former students of Indian residential schools on behalf of all Canadians.

Quotes

"Our Government's ultimate goal with First Nations is to achieve lasting reconciliation. That's why it is an absolute honour for me to participate in this seventh and final national TRC event. The strength, determination and resilience shown by former students and their families in sharing experiences and in talking about the legacy of the Indian residential schools is admirable and necessary for us to move forward on the path to reconciliation."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

Related Products

Backgrounder - Truth and Reconciliation Commission's seventh national event
Frequently Asked Questions - Canada's Gestures of Reconciliation
Fact Sheet - Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement

Associated Links
Advocacy and Public Information Program
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Indian Residential Schools
Statistics on the Implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160

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