Righting the wrongs

Today is a momentous day in the parliament of Canada. The Prime Minister is going to offer a former apology on behalf of the government to the First Nations people who were forced into residential schools in this country during the period from 1840 to 1996.

The official speech will be covered on CBC Radio and Television beginning at 3:00 pm EDT. In the meanwhile, there has been more than a little time devoted to spreading the news that this milestone in the recovery of so many who suffered at the hands of those responsible for the residential schools has finally arrived.

In anticipation of the apology being delivered, parliament hill is all abuzz because the procedure being put in place for the speech does not allow for public interventions on the part of any of the aboriginal leaders who will be in attendance in the House of Commons.

Over the past few years, various procedures have been put into place in an effort to bring some resolution or restitution to the alleged abuse or other harm suffered by students at residential schools in various parts of Canada. The schools were commissioned by the Federal Government and entrusted to the care of various church groups, including various Roman Catholic religious orders and the United Church of Canada.

Aside from the long-awaited apology from the Federal Government, there has been some measure of success with more informal meetings between former students in the residential schools and those who are facilitating some manner of healing. Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission has not always had an easy road to travel, but the work of making peace is proceeding albeit slowly.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the national association of Bishops in this country greeted the formation of the TRC favorably. In fact, much work in this regard has been accomplished due to the continuing efforts put forth by various church groups. The process of reconciliation is never easy, and is most often ongoing for quite some time, however some very good signs are present: signs of peacemaking that has been a long time coming.

More on this issue to come, once the official apology has been spoken, and the fallout begins to shed its own shade of light.