Canada Apologizes for Suppression of Aboriginal Culture

A decade ago, the Canadian government made a statement of regret about the country’s long-time policy of forcibly removing aboriginal children from their home communities and subjecting them to cultural cleansing in “residential schools.”

That half measure laid the groundwork for a full-fledged apology to be delivered today in Parliament by prime minister Stephen Harper.

The formal apology will detail the verbal, sexual and physical abuse many children suffered in the government-funded schools that were run by churches.

The government is keenly aware that its words will be closely scrutinized for weasel words that fall short of a complete expression of remorse, delivered with empathy. Some survivors have been invited to Parliament for the event, while others are travelling there on their own.

This is part of a “truth and reconciliation” process that seeks to heal the wounds of a policy that sought to isolate generations of children from their culture, language, families and traditions. The emotional and psychological damage was widespread, extending across the country and affecting the children and communities of the survivors as well.

Commentators are lining up to assess statements by the prime minister and opposition party leaders, First Nations leaders and others. Some argue that we apologize too much.

There will no doubt be some who don’t think the apology goes far enough, no matter what wording is chosen.

Apology by United Church of Canada (1998)

Australian Government Apology (2008)

B.C. Government Throne Speech (2003)