Bill Blair
Hon. Bill Blair
Member of Parliament for Scarborough Southwest
Healing and Commemoration Collection's Online Portal
September 4, 2020

In previous months, I have highlighted the new historical commemorative monuments that will be installed across Canada to reflect the lived experiences of Black Canadians. I’ve added the link below if you would like to learn more.

This month, Minister Wilkinson on behalf of the Government of Canada recognized the national historic significance of the Residential School System as a tragic and defining event in Canadian history. The designation of two former residential schools will now be recognized as national historic sites: The Former Portage La Prairie Residential School located in Manitoba and The Former Shubenacadie Residential School located in Nova Scotia.  This announcement was done in partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

The Residential School System in Canada was born from colonial policies and remains a dark part of Canadian history. It has affected generation of Indigenous peoples and still has enduring impacts on First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities. The effects on culture, economies, languages, family structures and connections to the land have all been impacted.

In order to showcase an inclusive history of Canada, we must move forward in the spirit of reconciliation. We must face our difficult past and move forward to be better. By acknowledging the past of Indigenous peoples and communities, we are committed to sharing the experiences of Indigenous children in these schools to ensure that this Canadian history is never forgotten.

For more details please see the following news release visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/parks-canada/news/2020/09/government-of-canada-recognizes-the-national-historic-significance-of-the-residential-school-system-and-former-residential-school-sites.html

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