The Official Inuit Response

I was not able to find transcripts for all of the official responses to Harper's apology, but I was able to find the Inuit response that was offered.

There were statements made before the official apology, immediately after and later in the day of the apology. I was struck by the statement that was offered before the apology at the Tungasuvvingat Inuit Gathering in which it was stated that the apology should be used for comfort, remembrance and reflection (ITK, 2008). I was surprised that the statement mentions nothing about reconciliation. I don't know if that is because the Inuit did not think that the apology would be enough to lead to reconciliation. It may have been enough to offer a small amount of comfort and encourage reflection in those who may not have been fully aware of the depth of the impact of residential schools or how this continues to be present in First Nations communities.

The response that followed Harper's statement in the House of Commons began with a phrase in Inuktitut to show that the language and culture has remained strong, despite the effects of residential schools to eradicate this language and culture. The most poignant part of this statement was the acknowledgement that although this apology is good and it has been longed for for many years, it does not erase the hurt and pain that was caused over the history of the residential schools. The response acknowledged that there is work that needs to be done and new relationships that need to be crafted. While the apology brought a measure of comfort, more needs to be done in order to truly create a change.

The statement in the Reading Room Reception addressed the concrete gaps that need to be addressed in First Nations communities. These are gaps in education, health and mental health and these gaps must be closed. It is also necessary to address the fact the Newfoundland-Labrador Inuit were not included in the residential school settlement package. There is no clear reason for this to be the case and it necessary to ensure that all survivors receive equal compensation for the losses that they have suffered through government intervention.

The most important point in all of the responses to Harper's apology came the following day and was told to the Senate Committee. The representative stated that we must all watch the Canadian government carefully in order to ensure that their promises are kept (ITK, 2008). That is an obligation of all Canadians to ensure that promises are now kept.

I am struck that even when the responses are offered by survivors, there is no blame laid on the government for what has happened. I am in awe of the level of forgiveness that survivors have been able to reach through their healing journeys, as I am fairly certain that I would not be able to. It is my hope that the apologies that have been offered will continue to assist on healing journeys.


References
ITK. (2008). Speeches in response to apology to residential school survivors. Retrieved June 8th, 2011 from http://www.itk.ca/media-centre/speeches-response-apology-residential-school-survivors