Big Oil funds Truth & Reconciliation Conference in Vancouver

By Khelsilem Rivers, Intercontinental Cry, Sept 11, 2013

From September 18-21, 2013, the ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’ (TRC) is holding an event in British Columbia as part of its Canada-wide effort “to promote awareness and public education about the Residential School system and its impacts”. Simultaneously a fairly new organization named ‘Reconciliation Canada’ is organizing some events of its own to coincide with TRC’s event in BC. These events include a “Reconciliation Walk” and an “All Nations Canoe Gathering”.

‘Many survivors are in terrible pain’

Residential schools left lasting trauma, commission finds

By Terri Theodore, Winnipeg Free Press, Feb 25, 2012

Native children in residential school

VANCOUVER — Tears form in Barney Williams’ eyes and his hand rests over his heart when he speaks about how important a report on residential schools is for First Nations who grew up in the church-run schools.

“Many survivors are in terrible pain,” said Williams, himself a residential school survivor and an elder with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which released its interim report Friday.

Residential School Settlement a Flawed Deal: Survivor’s Group

Group representing residential school survivors says compensation deal flawed

Winnipeg Free Press/CP, Feb 3, 2012

Canoes outside St. Michael's Residential School in Alert Bay, BC

WINNIPEG – It’s the largest-ever compensation deal in Canadian history – but groups that represent thousands of aboriginal people have come forward to say it’s flawed.

The National Residential School Survivors Society is calling for a judicial review of the $5-billion Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

That means claimants might have to go back to court to reopen the deal.