WMS for TRC

It is important that representatives of the WMS be our principal spokespersons for the upcoming Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Throughout the history of the residential schools Presbyterian schools were under the administration of the WMS. In this the Society worked closely with the Board of Missions and aboriginal work was shared by the two agencies, but the schools were the special province of the WMS.
In recent years, when the controversy over the schools erupted, the church as a whole has willingly acknowledged responsibility and negotiations and legal challenges have been handled by the General Assembly and its officers. In this all Presbyterians have shared in the consequences of this affair. Nevertheless it is the WMS which ran the schools and it is the WMS which should be at the table when truth and reconciliation are being sought. Among those representing the WMS should be ordinary officers and members of the Society and not just paid staff.
I would hope that those representing the church are thoroughly briefed on the history of Presbyterian work among aboriginal Canadians. What were the agreements entered into by the church with the Federal Government and with aboriginal bands? Did we endorse government policy? Who made these agreements and who authorized them? How were our agreements with aboriginal bands carried out? Note should be made of those who worked among First Nations people. Wonderful, dedicated people gave their lives to this service and the current press gives them no credit. While acknowledging errors we must not share in dishonouring fine teachers and the students who learned from them.
I have written to the Atlantic Mission Society and the Assembly Council. We should do whatever we can to assist in reconciliation and the truth should be told, the good news as well as the bad. My prayers are with those who undertake this task and with the Commission when it is constituted.