Speech - Hon. Chuck Strahl Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

Thank you Rod.

Good morning everyone. Former students, invited guests, Elders, National Chief Fontaine, Justice LaForme. It is a real pleasure and an honour for me to be here with all of you today.

I want to begin my comments by saying our Conservative government led by Prime Minister Harper, is extremely proud to be working in partnership with former students of residential schools, as we move towards a stronger and healthier future for all Canadians. The announcement that we are making today will move us that much closer to our shared goal of healing and reconciliation. Ultimately, we want to make sure we achieve a fair and lasting resolution to the sad legacy of Indian Residential Schools.

Children were taken from their families, often for months or even years at a time, forbidden to speak their native languages, practice their culture, or learn from their parents and elders. They learned the ways of institutional living, not family values.

Last September, along with the national Chief, I announced the implementation of the historic Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. We are committed to ensure this agreement is fully implemented… and we have been working closely with national Aboriginal organizations toward the creation of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The Commission is the cornerstone of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. It will play a vital role in the ongoing healing process, by providing former students the chance to share their experiences. It will also educate all Canadians about the Indian Residential Schools system and the impacts this system has had on Aboriginal people and their communities.

It will also be an opportunity to focus on former students who are moving forward, and making a positive difference in their lives, and in the lives of people around them.

The Commission, once fully up and running, will host truth sharing and healing events in different regions across Canada. And the 'Commemoration Initiative' will provide funding to Aboriginal organizations and communities for activities that honor and pay tribute to former students in a permanent and lasting manner.

I have every bit of faith that this better understanding of our shared past will help us renew and rebuild relationships between Aboriginal people and other Canadians.

I am extremely pleased to announce that Justice Harry LaForme has agreed to be the Chairperson of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Justice LaForme was unanimously chosen as Chair from more than 300 applicants. The selection panel included representatives of national Aboriginal organizations and other parties to the Settlement Agreement.

A little background about this fine gentleman…

Justice LaForme is a proud member of the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation; the former Chair of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal land claims; and Commissioner of the Indian Commission of Ontario. Most recently, he was a member of the Court of Appeal for Ontario and he is considered the most senior Aboriginal judge in the country.

Justice LaForme obviously brings a wealth of respect to this role, and a dedication to Justice. I know that his personal commitment to this issue will truly inspire former students, Aboriginal peoples, and non-Aboriginal peoples.

Justice LaForme will play a role in the selection of the two Commissioners. Once they are appointed, the Commission will be formally established.

In closing ladies and gentleman, on behalf of our government, I wish to express my appreciation to Justice LaForme for accepting the vitally important role of Chair of the India Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

This is an ongoing individual and collective process - that will require hard work and commitment in moving forward together. I am proud that Aboriginal organizations like the AFN, our Government and the courts are helping to make this happen.

And I would now like to invite Justice LaForme to come to the podium and say a few words…