Residential schools have left their mark on generations of First nations, Metis and Inuit Children, with over 150,000 individuals passing through these government-funded, church-run schools.  These schools eliminated parental involvement in the intellectual, cultural and spiritual development of Aboriginal children and in countless instances students were subject to emotional and physical abuse.  Today there is an estimated 80,000 former students living with the hurt that they suffered at the hands of the people her were charged with “educating” them.

As part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada was established.  The TRC has a mandate “to learn the truth about what happened in residential schools and to inform all Canadians about what happened in the schools.”  “The Commission hopes to guide and inspire First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples and Canadians in a process of truth and healing leading toward reconciliation and renewed relationships based on mutual understanding and respect.”

This past week saw the TRC’s British Columbia National Event running on the PNE grounds from September 18-21.  Throughout the 4 days there were a variety of both private and public sharing circles, information displays, videos, an Education Day for students, and a culminating Reconciliation Walk taking place today in Downtown Vancouver.

You can visit the TRC’s website here: http://www.trc.ca/websites/trcinstitution/index.php?p=3