News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

---

PRIME MINISTER HARPER OFFERS FULL APOLOGY ON BEHALF OF CANADIANS FOR THE INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS SYSTEM

June 11, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered an historic formal apology today to former students of Indian Residential Schools and sought forgiveness for the students' suffering and for the damaging impact the schools had on Aboriginal culture, heritage and language.

"The treatment of children in Indian Residential Schools is a sad chapter in our history," Prime Minister Harper said. "Today, we recognize this policy of assimilation was wrong, has caused great harm, and has no place in our country. The Government of Canada sincerely apologizes and asks the forgiveness of the Aboriginal peoples of this country for failing them so profoundly."

Today's apology reinforces numerous other government initiatives designed to address the tragic legacy of Indian Residential Schools, including the ongoing implementation of the historic Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement which includes: a Common Experience Payment; an Independent Assessment Process; Commemoration Activities; measures to support healing; and the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

"The Government recognizes that the absence of an apology has been an impediment to healing and reconciliation," said Prime Minister Harper. "Years of work by survivors, communities and Aboriginal organizations culminated in an Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. These are the foundations of a new relationship between Aboriginal people and other Canadians, a relationship based on knowledge of our shared history, a respect for each other and a desire to move forward together with a renewed understanding that strong families, strong communities and vibrant cultures and traditions will contribute to a stronger Canada for all of us."

---

The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]

Notice

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

---

Public events for June 11, 2008

June 11, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for today, Wednesday, June 11th are:

Ottawa

2:50 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper and guests will proceed down the west staircase and will pause outside the House of Commons before entering.

House of Commons Foyer
Parliament Hill, Ottawa

*Photo Opportunity Only*

3:00 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper, on behalf of the Federal Government and all Canadians, will issue a Statement of Apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools.

House of Commons
Parliament Hill, Ottawa

*Open to Media*

4:20 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Chuck Strahl and the procession of participants will walk down the Hall of Honour.

Hall of Honour
Parliament Hill, Ottawa

*Photo Opportunity Only*

4:25 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will attend a ceremony for the Statement of Apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools. He will be joined by Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Chuck Strahl.

Reading Room
237-C Centre Block
Parliament Hill, Ottawa

*Open to Media *

NOTE: Media can set up in the Reading Room at approximately 2:30 pm and will need proper accreditation.

---

The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]