Ottawa, Ontario (July 15, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced the establishment of an Indian Residential School Survivor Committee.

“This committee is an integral part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” said Minister Strahl. “In addition to providing advice and guidance to the Commission, the Committee will assist Commissioners in their efforts to gather the stories of former Indian Residential Schools students, as well as the history of the Indian Residential Schools system that must be heard by all Canadians.”

The Indian Residential School Survivor Committee is comprised of ten members: seven First Nation, two Inuit, one Métis. All are former students assembled from across the country to assist the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in fulfilling its mandate. The committee will act from a position of strength in terms of understanding the issues facing former residential school students. The members of the committee are: Barney Williams Jr., Doris Young, Eugene Arcand, Gordon Williams, John Banksland, John Morrisseau, Lottie May Johnson, Raymond Arcand, Rebekah Uqi Williams, and Terri Brown.

“We have the right people, the right structure, and the right process in place to give us the right commission.  Aboriginals and all Canadians can be assured that this TRC will advance our nation towards truth, healing and reconciliation,” added Minister Strahl. “The task set out before Justice Sinclair and the two commissioners is of the greatest importance.  I have no doubt that they are focused, they have the talent and tools they require, and that they will move without hesitation to begin their important work.” 

The establishment of the Survivor Committee is an important component of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. It is the result of a collaborative process involving the stakeholders to the agreement, which include the Government of Canada, churches, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council. This collaboration represents the unwavering commitment on the part of all parties to continue the process of healing and reconciliation.