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| May 11, 2006 |
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For Immediate Release: May 11, 2006 - The Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Jim Prentice, rose in the House of Commons today to inform all of Canada that final approval has been given by all parties, including the government of Canada, for the Indian Residential Schools agreement. “I am very pleased that final approval has been given for this agreement. I believe that we all recognize that compensation for former students of Indian residential schools is long overdue” stated Regional Chief Toulouse. “It is an absolute shame that it took this long for former students of residential schools to secure a commitment of compensation from Canada. This compensation will not make up for all that was lost, or for the pain and suffering that former students and their families have experienced, but it is an acknowledgement that a wrong was committed and it is my sincere hope that the conclusion of this agreement will bring some closure to former students and their families” said Regional Chief Toulouse. The Regional Chief emphasized the importance of getting the early payments out to elderly former students of Indian residential schools as soon as possible. “Many former students are 65 years old or older and deserve some form compensation and recognition. Unfortunately, many former students have passed on without experiencing the necessary closure that will come with the compensation committed in this agreement” stated Regional Chief Toulouse. “The need for the government of Canada to publicly apologize for the residential school tragedy remains a priority. I urge the government of Canada to do the right thing in this regard” said the Regional Chief. Regional Chief Toulouse expressed appreciation for the commitment and dedication of National Chief Phil Fontaine in securing this historic agreement. He also recognized the efforts of all former students of Indian residential schools in pushing this issue over several years and for not giving up on obtaining a fair and just resolution. “I greatly admire the courage of all former students, and I thank them for their diligence in addressing this tragic legacy” stated Regional Chief Toulouse. The residential school experience will always be a black mark in Canadian history; however, the Regional Chief expressed optimism that the signing of this agreement provides a basis for moving on. “There is an opportunity for Canada and First Nations to address the injustices and disparities that continue to exist between the First Nations population and the rest of Canada. The signing of this agreement demonstrates that it is possible to sit down and negotiate with each other and arrive at a positive, mutually acceptable resolution. We face many challenges and we need to work them out together in a respectful and inclusive manner” explained Regional Chief Toulouse. For more information Contact: Pam Hunter |
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