Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada addresses United Nations, Calls
for International Roundtable on Truth Commissions

NEW YORK, April 27 /CNW Telbec/ - The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), today, proposed to the Ninth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, to host an international Roundtable discussion on truth commissions within the next two years.

"We know that there are as many as 50 countries around the world that have operated, or are planning similar Commissions," said The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, TRC Chair. "This is an opportune time to have an international discussion on these processes so that we can share and learn about experiences of practices that work best."

Truth Commissions, generally, are established as truth seeking bodies to address past human rights violations. They are officially sanctioned temporary bodies that are victim centered. The process helps a country come to terms with its past in order to move forward.

Commissioner Chief Wilton Littlechild stated that an International Roundtable on Truth Commissions can build upon the momentum created through efforts such as the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

"We acknowledge the announcements from this Permanent Forum relating to the UN Declaration. We applaud those efforts and encourage members of the UN Permanent Forum to give its full support to furthering that discussion through an International Roundtable discussion," said Chief Wilton Littlechild.

Additionally, the TRC of Canada supports efforts that are underway to see an International Declaration on a Decade of Reconciliation.

"This Declaration would be seen as a significant gesture of reconciliation among Indigenous Peoples throughout the global community," said Commissioner Marie Wilson.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's mandate is to inform all Canadians about what happened in Indian Residential Schools. The Commission will document the truth of survivors, families, communities and anyone personally affected by the Indian residential schools experience. The TRC will guide and inspire Indigenous Peoples and Canadians in a process of reconciliation and renewed relationships that are based on mutual understanding and respect.

Additional information on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada is available at www.trc.ca.

For further information: Rod Carleton, Media Relations, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Tel: [phone], Cell: [phone], [email protected]