The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) fully supports the recommendations outlined in the Calls to Action section of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report released on June 2, 2015.
Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations had two residential schools within their territories (Christie Indian Residential School and Alberni Indian Residential School), and hundreds if not thousands of Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations citizens attended other residential schools across Canada. Many faced mental, physical, spiritual, and sexual abuse while they attended these schools.
Today the NTC stands with our survivors, those who did not live to see the TRC recommendations, those who did return home, and those who are faced with the intergenerational effects of the cultural genocide. We also stand with all fourteen of our First Nations communities.
The time to act is now. Federal, provincial, regional and municipal governments, as well as educational institutions, churches and others listed in the recommendations now have the direction to address true reconciliation with First Nations across Canada.
Residential schools are not just a dark chapter in history for Aboriginal people but for all of Canada. Everyday Canadians play an important role in the next steps of recognition and reconciliation. We encourage Canadians to educate themselves and those around them about this horrific era in our history.
The NTC found the actions of the Crown's Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Bernard Valcourt, during the recent TRC announcement particularly disturbing. The majority of the audience responded with a standing ovation to Commissioner Justice Murray Sinclair’s recommendation for a national inquiry into murdered and missing indigenous women, while Minister Valcourt stayed seated with his arms folded. No longer can governments sit and be idle. The time to act is right now for future generations and all Canadians.
First Nations are doing the work necessary to heal. Over 100 years of abuse cannot be undone with simply an apology and compensation. True reconciliation begins with action.
We look forward to working hand-in-hand on reconciliation with all levels of government and First Nations across Canada. Future generations are looking to all of us to help create a better Canada right now. Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations and citizens simply want to have their rightful place in this country recognized and respected.
Media Contact is Petra White at 250-724-5757 or email Petra.White@nuuchahnulth.org
