OTTAWA --- Métis people from across the country took part in a long-awaited apology to the survivors of Indian Residential Schools on Wednesday afternoon at the House of Commons.

“I stand before you today to offer an apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools. The treatment of children in Indian Residential Schools is a sad chapter in our history,” opened Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Countless Métis children attended residential schools across Canada, forcing them to leave behind their families, languages, cultures and traditions. As well as being separated from everything familiar, many children were victims of mental, physical, emotional and sexual abuse. The assimilation and abuse of Métis children has caused decades of profound damage to Métis people and their culture.

“The effects of residential schools are devastating to Métis people on an intergenerational level,” said Gary Lipinski, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). “Survivors and their families have been burdened by the memories of residential schools for far too long. I hope this apology will assist in lifting that burden.”

Acknowledging this horrific piece of Aboriginal and Canadian history is the first step in moving forward on a positive and mutually respectful relationship between Métis people and the Federal Government. This apology is not the answer; it is merely a beginning to the healing process.

“Métis people still live in fear of residential schools,” said France Picotte, MNO Chair. “The reality of what happened in those schools is a contributing factor to why Métis people have spent generations hiding their identity. I hope that this historic day will allow the healing process to begin for all Métis people.”

The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal people with a unique culture, language and heritage, and with an ancestral Homeland that centers around Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, parts of the Northwest Territories, as well as the northwestern United States. The Métis played an instrumental role in the shaping of Canada, and work tirelessly to share their culture, music, traditions and knowledge of the environment with their fellow Canadians. Today, the Métis live, work, raise their families and pay taxes in communities all across Canada.

For further information:
Chelsey Quirk
Communications Officer
613-798-1488
613-299-6085
chelseyq@metisnation.org