Minister Valcourt to participate in Closing Event of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

OTTAWA, May 29, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, will participate in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) Closing Event which will be held in Ottawa from May 31 to June 3.

An important role in the healing process is ensuring the voices of former students are heard by Canadians and by the government. The closing event will ensure stories are shared and lead to greater understanding, continued listening, and working together to achieve the important goal of reconciliation.

To that end, Minister Valcourt will be hosting a lunch with former students and Aboriginal youth. He will also participate in activities on all four days of the Closing Event. These activities include the Walk for Reconciliation, the Grand Entry, the presentation of the TRC findings, and the Closing Ceremony at Rideau Hall.

He will also be delivering a statement of reconciliation in the House of Commons on Monday, June 1^st.

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 people and all Canadians. The Government continues to implement the elements of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA).

Quick Facts

• Related local events are being held in communities across the country providing opportunities for greater participation. More information about these Regional Events and Closing Event activities can be found on the TRC's website.
• The TRC is one of the five components of the IRSSA which was negotiated by the Government of Canada, Aboriginal organizations, the Churches and claimant counsel. The other components are the Common Experience Payment, the Independent Assessment Process, measures to support healing, and commemorative activities.

Quote

"There is no place in Canada for the attitudes that inspired the Indian Residential Schools system to ever prevail again. It is an honour to participate in the TRC's Closing Event, an event that will help bring together former students and Canadians from across the country as the work to heal the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians continues.

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

Additional Links

Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement 
Common Experience Payments 
Independent Assessment Process  
Health and Healing 
Commemoration  
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

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SOURCE Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Emily Hillstrom, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada819-953-1160