Communiqués

WICC welcomes apology on residential schools

June 24, 2008

The federal apology to victims of the residential schools is a welcome step toward reconciliation and justice, says the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC). The Council joins with church leaders across Canada who welcomed the public apology made on June 11 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on behalf of the government, followed by apologies from other party leaders.

“We were all deeply moved as we listened to the formal apology to the Aboriginal peoples,” said Judith Snowdon, President of WICC.

“We hope that this is just the beginning of a new way of living between the settler peoples and the Aboriginal Nations. I pray that we don't respond with mere words, but as we move forward together, the deeper understanding of the pain that has been caused will lead us to do justice in tangible ways.”

The residential schools, which were run by the Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and United churches in most provinces across the country, followed a policy of separating children from their parents and communities in an attempt to assimilate them into white society.  As part of its commitment to racial justice and support for the Sisters in Spirit initiative, WICC acknowledges that the schools were an aspect of systematic racism and resulted in mistreatment and harm to generations of Aboriginal peoples.

“At Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada, we are committed to educating ourselves, and finding ways to eliminate racial injustice,” Snowdon added.

“We share a hopeful vision of equality for all peoples, and we support the First Nations and stand with them in their struggle for justice and rightful recognition.”

The apology came as Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission began its five-year mandate to examine the legacy of the residential school system, during which time it will hear the stories of former students and teachers and others connected with the schools. 

Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada is a national Christian women’s council including representatives from 11 church partners. WICC continues to provide resources and support to Canadian church women in connection with ecumenism, spirituality and prayer, justice and peace.

For more information:

Judith Snowdon, President: tel. 506-743-8020; snowdon@aernet.ca

Pat Allinson, Executive Director: tel. 416-929-5184; allinson@wicc.org

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