Premier’s Statement on the Residential School Apology

June 11, 2008

Victoria – Premier Gordon Campbell made the following statement today on the federal government’s official apology to Aboriginal survivors of residential schools.

“Today is an emotional day for survivors of residential schools and their families, and our thoughts are with each of them. The survivors and those before them became the ‘stolen generation,’ taken from their families as children, they were held captive from their culture and communities. They were robbed of all that is irreplaceable – their youth, their innocence, and their sense of who they were and where they came from.

“Today’s apology by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to survivors of residential schools provides an opportunity to begin the act of healing. We sincerely hope that healing will evolve from this apology, and that it will be a significant step toward closing a tragic chapter in Canada’s history.

“We believe it’s our time and our task to tackle the issues of Aboriginal disadvantage and disparity. We are challenged and compelled to close that gap, fulfilling our nation’s potential and promise by ensuring that Aboriginal peoples have the same entitlement to success and opportunity as anyone else.

“I thank the federal government for having the courage to take responsibility and make this apology today, so together we can create a better future for B.C. and for all Aboriginal peoples, First Nations, Métis and Inuit coast-to-coast throughout Canada.

“Here in B.C. this is a watershed moment that builds on a New Relationship our province has been forging with First Nations. A relationship founded on mutual respect, recognition and reconciliation.”