MacLean Park was the gathering place in Thompson on June 11 for all those who wanted to come out and celebrate, as well as remember, the historic apology Prime Minister Stephen Harper made to aboriginal survivors of residential schools last year in the House of Commons.
The event featured a barbecue, music and many different speakers, who talked about what the apology means and what still needs to be done to help those still suffering in the aboriginal community.
Sydney Garrioch, grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), says the apology has created mixed reactions for the aboriginal peoples of Canada. He says for many it has raised hope for a brighter future, while for others it is too little, too late.
Garrioch says that not enough has been done since the apology was made to improve the lives of residential school survivors.
"After a year we have not seen any improvement in the lives of survivors, their families or First Nation peoples in general. We had hoped for some initial steps to make an apology and a commitment."
Garrioch went on to say that many First Nations people and communities are still in crisis because of what happened in government and church run residential schools. He says you can see this today as aboriginal people deal with poverty, poor housing, poor education and other limitations, and adds the federal government is still refusing to fully recognize and implement aboriginal treaties.
But Garrioch says MKO is working on advising the government about what needs to be done for aboriginal people.
"MKO is currently developing its next steps to put this in paper, which we hope will identify what needs to be done for the First Nations people in this country," he explains. "We need to look at our cultures, beliefs, traditions and languages. They need to be restored and strengthened. Our people and our children must be taught once again to be proud of their identity and inheritance. We need to reflect on how much we've done since the time that we came back to our communities. We need to reflect on our young people that need to be taught how to take care of themselves and their families and their communities. Our people need to believe that our future is secure."
Garrioch says he believes the federal government should take a lead role in creating a better life for aboriginal people, and expects it to honour its commitment and work with residential school survivors and First Nation peoples.
May Tim Johnston was also on hand for the event. He says the City of Thompson is looking forward to working with aboriginal people to make Thompson a home for everyone, and says the first step will be the signing of city council's aboriginal accord on National Aboriginal Day on June 21.
