Thousands Respond to PM Apology

Forgiven Summit

OTTAWA, On:  Dr. James Lunney, MP for Nanaimo-Alberni, stood in the House of Commons today and paid tribute to Aboriginals who had gathered in Ottawa this weekend to respond to the 2008 apology by the Prime Minister for those who suffered in the Residential School system.

Thousands of First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders and individuals gathered in Ottawa for “The Forgiven Summit.”  They came to express their individual decision to embrace healing and wholeness through forgiveness. Aboriginals from as far away as Taiwan, New Zealand and Polynesia came to witness the event.

Two years ago, in this Chamber, the Prime Minister issued an apology on behalf of the Government of Canada and asked forgiveness for previous government policies of assimilation that regrettably caused immense personal, cultural and intergenerational harm.

But, Aboriginal People have been on a journey of healing…and it was a joy to see the singing, dancing, drumming and celebrations expressed in many languages and ceremonial acts of reconciliation.

In the words of Chief Kenny Blacksmith, “Forgiveness is not political; it cannot be bought or sold; it cannot be legislated.  It is an individual choice that can break the generational cycle of victimization and accusation”.

There have been gatherings before and more to come, but these leaders came with hope and a dream for a better future. The message throughout the weekend:  “Catch the Dream.”

“While the Truth and Reconciliation Process continues, the  tremendous witness of these thousands of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Elders, leaders and youth, charts a course to a future full of promise for a better Canada,” concluded Lunney.