The federal government is formally recognizing two former residential school sites as national historic sites.
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Jonathan Wilkinson recognized the national historic significance of the residential school system as a tragic and defining time in Canadian history.
The experiences of former students and survivors of the Portage La Prairie and Shubenacadie residential schools and other residential schools across Canada have affected members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities for generations.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation nominated the Residential School System for consideration as a national historic event, reflecting the input and recommendations from survivors across the country. The designation is an important part of the Government of Canada’s response to Call to Action 79 of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. which called for the national commemoration of resident school sites and the history and legacy of residential schools.
National historic designations commemorate all aspects of Canadian history, good or bad. By sharing these stories the government hopes to foster better understanding and open discussions on the cultures and realities of the history of Canada.
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