Justice Murray Sinclair, TRC chair. Photo: Marites N. Sison
The fourth national event of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), held in Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, was not just about the survivors. It was also about their children and grandchildren, said TRC Commissioner Mr. Justice Murray Sinclair.
“The intergenerational survivors need a chance to have their voices heard,” he said, pointing out that over a 130-year period, the schools affected seven generations, causing “…a lot of damage to individuals, families and communities.
“It may take another seven generations to achieve that state of balance that the schools took away,” he added.
All Canadians must understand the legacy of the schools and take responsibility for this national disgrace, said Sinclair. “This is not an Indian problem; this is a Canadian problem.”
Saskatchewan has one of Canada’s highest number of survivors of the residential schools system-some 30,000 First Nation and Métis people have applied for compensation under the class-action settlement agreement.
The TRC event took place June 21 to June 24.