Trudeau visits Tk'emlúps te Secwe̓pemc to apologize for Truth and Reconciliation Day snub
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Kamloops, B.C., on Monday at the request of the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc, to meet with local Indigenous leaders and survivors of the residential school system.
The trip comes after the Prime Minister ignored a pair of invitations to join the community on Sept. 30, the country’s first ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a national holiday the Trudeau government created.
“For us it was to show his commitment to rectify the historical wrongs of residential schools, and to grieve with our residential school survivors,” said Kukpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir, about the original invitations.
But instead of visiting Kamloops on Sept. 30, Trudeau used that day to fly from Ottawa to Tofino for a family vacation.
Kukpi7 Casimir said she had been disappointed because not only did Trudeau not respond to the initial requests to attend in person in September, he also didn’t send a video message which was presented as an option.
The creation of the holiday was one of 94 recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Report released in 2015, but it was only after the confirmation of 215 children’s unmarked graves at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School that the government acted on the recommendation.
On Monday, Trudeau was contrite for his previous absence, apologizing a number of times, including personally to two local elders at the request of one of their sons.
“I am here today to say that I wish I had been here a few weeks ago. I deeply regret it,” Trudeau said. “I am here today to take the hand extended by Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc and so many Indigenous Canadians across the country.”
Trudeau also heard directly from three women, all generations of the same family, who shared the ongoing impacts and trauma that residential school has had on their lives.
“We need more than words and broken promises Mr. Trudeau,” said Ashly Michel, the youngest of the women who spoke, while standing next to her own young child. “Use your power and privilege for good. And make this visit count.”
Kukpi7 Casimir urged Trudeau to make concrete promises, including committing to building a healing centre to deal with the trauma from the confirmation of the 215 unmarked graves.
“We will be working with you on what you’ve said the community needs,” Trudeau said. “From funding the healing centre to working with you on an elder’s lodge, and continuing to get answers and closure.”
As she listened to the Prime Minister, Kukpi7 Casimir made it clear she plans to hold him accountable for his promises.
“We seek to bring honour and dignity to children that were literally cast aside in unmarked burial sites. Prime Minister, now is the time to commit to the long road ahead.”
It was a familiar theme for the day, with a number of different Indigenous leaders telling Trudeau the time for talk is over and they expect him to follow through with his commitments.
It will now be up to Trudeau to demonstrate that he means what he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.