Assembly of First Nations supports continuation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission
AFN Press Release
November 14, 2013
Assembly of First Nations Supports Continuation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission
(Ottawa, ON) - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today expressed support for the one year extension of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) so it can better fulfill its mandate set out in the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) of 2007.
"On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations and the national executive committee, I welcome the announcement by the Government of Canada, in conjunction with parties to the IRSSA, to extend resources to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission so it can continue its important work of assisting survivors in their healing journey and informing all Canadians of this tragic chapter in our shared history," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. "The legacy of residential schools continues to impact all of us, and support for the important work of the TRC will help all Canadians become aware of the realities faced by First Nations - historically and today. Education was the weapon used to try to sever First Nations from their cultures, traditions and languages. Today it must be the tool to strengthen our citizens, cultures and languages through First Nations control of First Nations education. The work of the TRC will help Canadians understand why this is so important to First Nations and how we can move forward together to reconciliation."
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada Minister Bernard Valcourt announced today federal plans to work with the TRC, the parties to the IRSSA and the Ontario Superior Court to provide a one-year extension to the original timeframe of the TRC, allowing the TRC to continue its operating period until June 30, 2015 as requested by the TRC earlier this year.
"Today's announcement must be accompanied by a full commitment by the Government of Canada to work together with the TRC to provide all relevant records regarding residential schools and to ensure the TRC has the necessary resources to process this important information accordingly," said AFN Regional Chief Bill Erasmus who holds the national portfolio for residential schools. "The TRC is essential in providing sharing and truth-telling opportunities for residential school survivors and reconciliation for all Canadians. It is essential that it be allowed to complete its work."
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has a mandate to learn the truth about what happened in the residential schools and to inform all Canadians about what happened in the schools. The Commission hopes to guide and inspire First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and Canadians in a process of truth and healing leading toward reconciliation and renewed relationships based on mutual understanding and respect. For more information please visit www.trc.ca.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.
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Contact information:
Jenna Young AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca
Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca