Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: A Tragic Past, an Uncertain Future

WENDAKE, QC, June 3, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The release of the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada is a milestone in the common history of Aboriginal Peoples and Canadians. History is not useful if it is not retained. This is the challenge faced by the Canadian society as a whole, and it's a huge challenge, according to the AFNQL. All parties must realize that the future of Aboriginal Peoples and the future of Canada will be shaped by a common and sincere commitment towards reconciliation.

"The report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada brings to the mind of the AFNQL Chiefs, a tragic past, a disappointing present and concerns for the future: non-respect of our titles and rights, non-respect of the commitments and obligations of the Crown, broken promises, ignorance and negligence of governments and administrations. Here we are before another plan, another challenge facing the governments which must ensure that the testimonies of those thousands of survivors will not have been in vain. The AFNQL will continue to engage in a healthy and fair reconciliation", stated Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL

Reconciliation is not shaped by structures and institutions. Reconciliation must be implemented for and by human beings, human beings, who, in all societies and in every era, have a sacred duty towards their children. Reconciliation must be made in memory of, and for the dignity of Aboriginal children who have been victimized by residential schools. It must also be made for today's Aboriginal children, who, in 2015, are victims of ailing and ill-adapted social and health services, and victims of under-financed schools. Reconciliation must be made also for the future of these Aboriginal children who are growing up in communities deprived of their territories and resources, deprived of an economy, deprived of jobs, deprived of decent housing. Reconciliation will not content itself with wishful thinking; it should express itself through concrete and immediate actions.

"As already noted, this report must represent an opportunity that challenges each and every one of us. The AFNQL is asking the political parties engaged in the next federal electoral campaign to take note of the report and its recommendations. The individual responsibility for reconciliation must not be an excuse to not take the actions that are essential to right the wrongs of the past", concluded Chief Picard.

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec-Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador www.apnql-afnql.com.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

Mélanie Vincent, [email protected], Cell. : 418-580-4442