NIHM 2017

Merriam-Webster defines "bear witness" as:  
1. To show that something exists or is.  
2. Formal: To make a statement saying that one saw or knows something.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in Aboriginal History Month this June. Your involvement shows a true commitment to engaging in our process of truth and reconciliation.

We touched on many important topics—Aboriginal women, Sacred Land, and the Missing Children from Indian Residential Schools. These discussions are crucial as they reflect the depth of our history and the ongoing challenges we face.

As we emerge from a holiday weekend celebrating the things we love about Canada, I ask that we not forget the realities that continue to impact us: the harmful effects of the Indian Act, the severe poverty that plagues many Indian reservations, the heartbreaking issue of murdered and missing women, and the support needed for Indigenous survivors of Indian Residential Schools. We must also advocate for the human rights of our Indigenous children, including the ongoing removal of children from their families.

By engaging with Aboriginal history, we come together to bear witness to the testimonies and stories of the struggles experienced by Indigenous people in Canada. It is through this act of bearing witness to the truth that meaningful reconciliation can begin.

Let us hold onto hope and compassion as we move forward together, working towards a future where all voices are heard and respected. 

Um'aya. Thank you.


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