The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, delivered an apology on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to members of NunatuKavut who attended residential schools in the province.
The Premier apologized at a ceremony today in Cartwright, Labrador. He was joined by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and Todd Russell, President of the NunatuKavut Community Council. In attendance were former students of residential schools, their family members, community members, others impacted by the residential school system, and members of the Governing Council of the NunatuKavut Community Council.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador apologized for the neglect, abuse, hardship and discrimination experienced by former students at the hands of people and institutions who were entrusted to provide care and nurturing. The apology acknowledged there was a failure to treat NunatuKavut children with equality and respect.
The Premier said his words do not suggest an apology could relieve the weight of the pain and suffering endured by former students of the residential school system, and noted that he hoped by going to Cartwright to deliver a public apology, the journey of healing can continue. Only by truly understanding the history of residential schools can the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and residents of the province hope to advance Reconciliation.
The Premier acknowledged and thanked the NunatuKavut Community Council for their support during the planning process to deliver a formal apology to former students of the residential school system.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to delivering apologies to former students of the residential school system, and will continue to engage with other Indigenous Governments and Organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador on their respective apologies.
The Statement of Apology to Former Students of Residential Schools in NunatuKavut is available at these links:
Quotes
“The stories of children who were separated from their communities and the treatment they endured in the residential school system is a chapter of our history that must never be forgotten. The apology I delivered on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador acknowledges the pain and suffering experienced by former students and their families, and honours them for their bravery and resiliency.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“It is extremely difficult to come to terms with the neglect and discrimination experienced by former students who were part of the residential school system. The memories which they have shared are painful and heart-wrenching. As a people, a society, and a province, we have committed to never repeat the past and hope our actions are steps toward our shared journey of healing.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
“Today is a profoundly important day. I want to recognize the strength, courage and resilience that NunatuKavut Inuit residential school students have shown. It is an inspiration to all of us who carry on the work of our ancestors to build strong and healthy families and communities. We thank Premier Furey and his government for taking this important step in acknowledging the harm caused by the residential school system in NunatuKavut. We know this apology alone will not heal all wounds but we are hopeful that it is a turning point in the path to Reconciliation that we are walking on together.”
Todd Russell
President, NunatuKavut Community Council
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Learn more
Provincial Government Observing a Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Newfoundland and Labrador Residential SchoolsNunatuKavut