The following is a joint statement from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Nunatsiavut Government:

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador regrets to advise that it is unable to proceed with plans to deliver formal apologies to Inuit residential schools survivors and their descendants at this time.

Officials from both the Province and the Nunatsiavut Government have been engaged in discussions for several months on arrangements to hold events in each of the five Labrador Inuit communities. The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was scheduled to travel to Nunatsiavut in March, but plans were put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic and the imposition of travel restrictions by public health officials. Discussions continued with officials and representatives of the survivors and their families, with plans to hold events this month. Despite all options being explored, it wasn’t possible under the present public health measures to accommodate the anticipated number of people interested in attending the public events, while ensuring the health of survivors, family members, and residents of Nunatsiavut.

The Nunatsiavut Government acknowledges Premier Ball’s interest and commitment to deliver the apologies. Both governments thank and appreciate the engagement and support of residential schools survivors, their families and representatives for their efforts in trying to make appropriate arrangements for events in each Nunatsiavut community.

Quotes
“I regret that I am not able to deliver a sincere and personal apology from me, as Premier, on behalf of Newfoundland and Labrador. I commend the former students of residential schools, as well as their families, for demonstrating courage and strength in coming forward to talk about their experiences. An apology cannot undo the harm and the suffering that residential school students and their families endured, but it is an important step in the healing process for Inuit who were separated at a young age from their families, communities, culture and traditions.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“On behalf of the Nunatsiavut Government and Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement, I want to extend my sincere thanks to Premier Ball for making every effort to deliver long-awaited apologies to residential schools survivors and their descendants, and for understanding the need to ensure all Labrador Inuit have the opportunity to participate in community events without restrictions. As Premier Ball prepares to step down as Premier in the coming weeks, we are hopeful the next Premier will follow through on this important commitment so that those impacted by residential schools can somewhat find closure.”
Johannes Lampe
President, Nunatsiavut

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Media contacts
Jeremy Reynolds
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca

Bert Pomeroy
Nunatsiavut Government
709-896-8582
bert.pomeroy@nunatsiavut.com