The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples has the honour to table its SEVENTH REPORT - The Journey Ahead: Report on progress since the Government of Canada’s apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools 

The committee, which was authorized by the Senate on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 to examine and report on progress made on commitments endorsed by Parliamentarians of both Chambers since the Government's apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools, tabled its final report, entitled The Journey Ahead: Report on progress since the Government of Canada’s apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools.

From the report - Click here for the report

OBSERVATIONS

In their testimony before the Committee, witnesses made a number of observations on what they saw as the key issues relating to progress made since the Government of Canada’s apology. The Committee takes note of these observations as follows:

• Achieving reconciliation requires a long-term, multi-generational commitment involving Aboriginal peoples, the Government of Canada and indeed all Canadians. Reconciliation will extend beyond the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The core function of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is to establish a solid foundation on which to move forward after its five-year term ends.
   
• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has already undertaken groundbreaking work in defining a vision and process of reconciliation for survivors of Residential Schools, their families, communities and Canadian society. Among its many important initiatives in this past year was the first of seven planned national events for all those touched by the legacy of Residential Schools.
   
• Individual and community healing are long-term processes that have only just begun for many survivors. Healing programs should continue to be made available to former students of Residential Schools and their communities, as required, to provide support for healing needs.
   
• Negotiated solutions should be pursued in respect of the exclusion of certain individuals and groups under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. In particular, the Committee heard in testimony of the ongoing class action of a group of Labrador Inuit and Métis and their families in relation to attendance at Residential Schools in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Committee also notes the ongoing discussions between the Métis National Council and the federal government with a view to negotiating a solution to the outstanding issues related to Métis persons excluded from the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
   
• Approaches to reconciliation should incorporate the particular strengths, needs and experiences of women and youth. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission should pursue such an approach through the creation of special sub-commissions for women and youth, and hold additional national events for women and youth.

All witnesses noted that education is the foundation upon which reconciliation may be built, and underscored the importance of education on Residential Schools for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. Areas in need of attention include the development of new curricula, materials and teacher training with a view to educating all Canadians on this dark chapter in our shared history and its ongoing legacy. Measures to support Aboriginal languages and culturally appropriate educational systems will allow Aboriginal youth to develop the skills and perspective necessary to succeed through greater knowledge and appreciation of their history and identity.

CONCLUSION

Progress has been made on the path of reconciliation since the apology, but many challenges still lie ahead. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is just beginning its work and, in fulfilling its five-year mandate, faces a daunting challenge within a limited timeframe.