Laforme 'right person' to lead Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Beardy

Friday May 16, 2008

Justice Harry Laforme will be objective in carrying out the mandate of
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), says Nishnawbe Aski
Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy.

“Revealing the truth and showing the history of the era … are key to
the success of the commission,” Beardy said. “It was important to find
the right person to lead us through this process. He is an Aboriginal
person with lots of experience. He’s the right person.”

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine agreed.

“I can think of no one better than Justice Harry Laforme, a
Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation band member, to chair the truth
commission,” Fontaine said. “Not only is he a proud First Nations
citizen, he is an outstanding jurist and a compassionate and
understanding person.”

Fontaine said he is confident Laforme will accurately gather information on the abuse that occurred.

“I have no doubt he will leave no stone unturned in his investigation
of exactly what happened in residential schools,” Fountaine said.

“At the same time, he will bring the grace and compassion required in
the truth commission’s work so necessary for healing to begin.”

The commission was created to educate Canadians about the history of
residential school and its impacts and to bring greater understanding
between First Nations and Canada.

The TRC will shed light on one of the darkest chapters in Canada’s
history, a history that all Canadians should be aware of but which has
been largely hidden or misunderstood until now, Beardy said.

“There needs to be a greater understanding of this issue by all Canadians,” Beardy said.

“The residential school era is something that needs to be taught about
in school. It should be part of the curriculum. From a historical
perspective, we need to set the record straight.”

The AFN will soon announce, with the minister Indian and Northern
Affairs Canada, the appointment of two more commissioners in the near
future so the commission can start its work as soon as possible,
Fontaine said in a statement.

“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission could be a turning point in
First Nations’ relationship with Canada,” Fontaine said. “It will be
able to set the historical record straight and give our people an
opportunity to speak to Canadians in a way they have never been able to
do before. There will be no more secrets.”

The TRC was part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement
Agreement, which was negotiated and signed by the AFN in 2006 on behalf
of residential school survivors.

It was the largest settlement in Canadian history, which also includes
payment for survivors to compensate for loss of language and culture.
The agreement also outlines a path for an efficient and effective
process to deal with serious claims of abuse.

“We have always believed the settlement agreement is not only about
compensation, but also about healing and reconciliation between First
Nations and Canada,” Fontaine said. “Today’s appointment represents
another milestone for residential school survivors and First Nations in
moving forward on the healing journey.”

What the settlement did not include was an apology from the Prime Minister.

“An apology is forthcoming,” Beardy said. “We expect an apology from the government (soon).”