Girl action foundation oct 30 2010

Presentation to

Girls Action Foundation RetreatOrford, QC

October 30, 2010

Belief Statement

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC)

Scope is primarily centred upon the mistreatment of children. Its focus of research spans more than 150 years.

A government apology and reparations for harms inflicted preceded the work of the TRC.

To lay the foundation for reconciliation, the TRC will help educate Canadians on the importance of this history, understand how we arrived at this moment in time and how we can move together into the future.

It is the first court-ordered truth commission of its kind established and as such, the court plays an ongoing role in overseeing the process.

Indian Residential Schools are a part of Canada’s shared history – a history not well understood by many.

From the 1870’s – 1990’s,

as many as 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were separated from families and placed in Residential Schools.

Residential Schools

Indian Residential School, Spanish, Ontario

Residential Schools Map As many as 130 schools operated across Canada. The last one closed in the mid-90’s.

The Commissioners

The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Marie Wilson and Chief Wilton Littlechild

Survivors Committee

Lottie May Johnson, Gordon Williams, Madeleine Basile,Barney Williams, Terri Brown, Rebekah Uqi Williams, Doris Young, Eugene Arcand, John Morriseau and John Banksland.

TruthThe TRC is gathering statements from former students, teachers, church and government officials of Residential Schools. Gathering statements from the elderly or at-risk is a priority.

Nearly 1000 statements received to date. SG initiatives across the country are just beginning.

Statements will remain in the National Research Centre and made available to the public subject to privacy laws. It will house one of the largest collections of oral history in Canada.

ReconciliationThere are many different meanings of what reconciliation is and how it can be achieved.

Some examples are:• apology by Prime Minister• apology and healing initiatives by churches• commemoration - IRS scholarship - U of Winnipeg• individual acts of forgiveness - former teacher and

student

It can be influenced by one’s experiences and a people’s distinct culture, history and language.

The TRC encourages you to consider:

• what reconciliation may look like-

• Acts or gestures that demonstrate the thought or meaning of reconciliation;

• Meaning for young women and girls in Canada;

• Connection with the epidemic of missing and murdered Aboriginal women ($10 million just announced over two years- possible funding for activities);

• your role as a member of the Girls Action Foundation; collectively and individually.

Reconciliation (continued)

Five Year MandateThe Commission will:

Create an accurate and public historical record of the past regarding:• the policies and operations of former residential schools;• who attended the schools; • what happened to the children;• and what former employees recall from their experiences.

Complete a public report that will include recommendations to all parties of the Settlement Agreement concerning the Residential Schools System.

Establish a National Research Centre that will be a permanent resource for all Canadians.

Mandate (cont’d)

Host seven national gatherings in regions across Canada to promote awareness and public education about the Residential School legacy and its impacts.

Support a Commemoration Initiative that will fund projects that pay tribute to survivors.

Support community events designed by communities to meet their unique needs.

Guide and inspire Aboriginal peoples and Canadians in a process of truth and healing that will lead toward reconciliation and renewed relationships.

Statement Gathering

Statement Gathering occurs in a safe, respectful environment that recognizes ones culture, dignity and personal privacy.

Health supports are available to all participants.

All statements are voluntary and require informed consent of individuals.

Statement Gathering (cont’d) If you or someone you know wishes to share an experience or perspective about Residential Schools or reconciliation, here’s how:|

• record your statement - audio, video or written - send it to the TRC.

• ask us to help you record your statement.

• send us your artistic expression – songs, poetry, dance, art, etc.

• Attend public forums (e.g. National and Community Events) where statement takers are available for private one-on-one interviews, as well as more public sharing circles.

• contact the TRC to make arrangements with the Statement Gathering Team.

National Events

Winnipeg, MB - June 16 -19, 2010• 40,000 people participated and shared their experiences.

First NE drew an overwhelming response and provided a tremendous opportunity for healing between individuals and communities.

Inuvik, NWT - June 28 - July 1, 2011• Planning is underway with stakeholders and local,

regional organizations. A northern tour of Community Events leading up to the 2nd NE is being planned.

Dates and venues to be announced for events in:• Halifax, NS, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan,

Quebec and final closing event in Ottawa, Ontario.

Community EventsCommunity Events offer another way for people to contribute to and be part of the TRC process.

Communities have a chance to:• offer gestures of reconciliation • showcase how they have begun the process of

reconciliation. • involve churches, former employees and government

officials as well educate the public and foster better relationships among local communities.

Events can take any form, as long as they reflect the wishes of community members, making each event unique.

A Community Events Guideline and application form is available at www.trc.ca.

Commemoration

$20M provided for commemorative initiatives that honour IRS survivors and pay lasting tribute.

$10M of the funding will be available April 2011.

Once in place, the TRC will receive and evaluate proposals for commemorative initiatives; Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will administer the funding.

Research & Document Collection

The Commission will issue an interim report of the Residential School system at the two-year point of its mandate.

A final report developed will examine:• the history and legacy of the school system; • the work of the Commission; • provide guidance for an ongoing process of reconciliation.

A conference on the National Research Centre is planned for March 2011 that will bring together subject experts.

Missing Children & Unmarked Burials

The TRC has agreed to support the Missing Children Research Project, including:

• examination of the number and cause of deaths, illnesses, disappearances of children.

• location of burial sites - the TRC plans to carry out a project that will identify and locate cemeteries and grave sites associated with each Residential School.

• review of all relevant church and government records, as well as information provided by survivors, staff, or anyone else.

What You Can Do• Spread the word among your family, friends, neighbors

and networks about the TRC.

• Share your truth.

• Offer gestures of reconciliation.

• Provide artistic expressions.

• Attend TRC National Events.

• Organize a Community Event.

• Conduct Research.

• Visit TRC website often www.trc.ca.

• Follow us on Twitter

• Become a fan on Facebook

• Send us your thoughts and ideas.

How to Contact TRC

Telephone: 1-888-872-5554

Fax: 204-984-5915

Email: [email protected]

Mail: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

1500 - 360 Main Street

Winnipeg, MB. R3C 3Z3

Website: www.trc.ca

Voices of Survivors

TRIGGER ALERT!What you are about to witness is disturbing.

The video you are about to see tells the courageous, stories of four residential school survivors, along with their grandchildren.

They have all agreed to share their personal stories with the TRC and the public so that we might come to better understand what happened.

If you feel you need help, please talk to an available health support or call the Residential School crisis line at 1-866-925-4419.