Submission + - Ottawa apologizes for "Indian residential scho (nationalpost.com)
BPPG writes: Starting as early as the 1870's and late into the twentieth century, the Canadian government implemented a school system for aboriginal children, intended to reform them into English-speaking Christian Labourers. The methods of these schools mostly included isolation from their previous cultures and severe reprimands for those even speaking in their native languages.
Today, Ottawa is formally apologizing. Native leaders including Leader of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine, Inuit leader Mary Simon, Metis leader Clem Chartier, Patrick Brazeau, national chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples were present in the house of commons for the speech delivered by Prime Minister Stephen Harper (video also available). While generally seeming like a joyous day for survivours across Canada, there are still some mixed reactions to the apology.
I have a buddy who told me that they were worried about protesters for other causes taking advantage of the media on Parliament Hill today, but apparently that didn't turn out to be much of an issue.
Today, Ottawa is formally apologizing. Native leaders including Leader of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine, Inuit leader Mary Simon, Metis leader Clem Chartier, Patrick Brazeau, national chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples were present in the house of commons for the speech delivered by Prime Minister Stephen Harper (video also available). While generally seeming like a joyous day for survivours across Canada, there are still some mixed reactions to the apology.
I have a buddy who told me that they were worried about protesters for other causes taking advantage of the media on Parliament Hill today, but apparently that didn't turn out to be much of an issue.
