Residential School's Truth and Reconciliation Commission begins with staffing
AFN press release ...
AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine announces Chief of Staff Bob Watts will become Executive Director of Truth and Reconciliation Commission; Roger Augustine appointed new Chief of Staff
OTTAWA, Feb. 16 /CNW/ - "I am very pleased to announce that my Chief of Staff, Bob Watts, has accepted a position as Interim Executive Director of the Truth and Reconciliation. Bob played a key role in the negotiation of the historic Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine. "An important element in the settlement will be the opportunity for survivors to tell their stories to a Truth and Reconciliation Commission."
"The fact that Bob has been chosen for this pivotal role speaks highly of the government's commitment to ensuring that this Commission fulfills the needs envisioned by its creation," said the National Chief. "I have asked that Roger Augustine assume the new role in my office as Chief of Staff. Roger is currently a senior advisor in my office, and brings sixteen years of experience as a former Chief of Eel Ground First Nation in New Brunswick, and as a former Indian Claims Commissioner.
"Please join me in congratulating Bob on his important posting, and in welcoming Roger as he carries out his new responsibilities."
These changes will take effect on Monday, February 19, 2007. Bob Watts can now be reached at 613-947-6556.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
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/For further information: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789 ext 229, (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca; Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief, (613) 241-6789 ext 243, (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca
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From http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/viewtopic.php?p=8016#8016
Truth and Reconciliation Commission - by Tehaliwaskenhas - Bob Kennedy, Oneida - February 18, 2007
"An important element in the settlement will be the opportunity for survivors to tell their stories. . ." Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
The first national Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canadian history is being created this year, as part of the comprehensive Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
What will it do?
"Promote public education and awareness about the Indian Residential School system and its legacy."
On Friday, AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine announced that his chief of staff, Robert Watts will be the Interim Executive Director of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He was a key AFN player in the negotiations that led to the settlement agreement.
A Truth and Reconciliation will have a budget of $60 million over five years.
Former students, their families and communities will be able to (if they wish - this is a volunary process) share their Indian Residential School experiences "in a safe and culturally-appropriate environment".
Short term - the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will undertake a series of national and community events.
Long term - it will establish a research centre for ongoing access to the records collected throughout the work of the Commission.
In December, the leader of the AFN issued a statement after Canadian courts said the settlement agreement is fair and reasonable.
“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will ensure that all Canadians will understand the significance of the serious harm done to our people. First Nations are determined to send the message to the world that ‘Never Again’ will such a racist agenda be tolerated in Canada.”
For more information about the residential school visit http://www.turtleisland.org/resources/resources001.htm