An aboriginal judge has been appointed to the government's truth and reconciliation commission designed to provide a nationwide forum where former students of residential schools can tell their stories of abuse.
As reported in the National Post, Justice Harry Laforme, a member of the Ontario Court of Appeal and the first aboriginal to be appointed to an appellate court in Canada, called what happened at the schools “horrendous” and credited the victims and survivors of the schools for the creation of the commission.
“We are very happy with this appointment,” Rev. Stephen Kendall, the Presbyterian Church's principal clerk, told the Record. “Justice LaForme brings a stature, wisdom and commitment that we believe will help the commission in its important work.
“We are also pleased to see that his appointment has received the support of the Assembly of First Nations and other aboriginal groups.”
Kendall met LaForme at the official announcement in the House of Commons and was “impressed with his sincere desire to lead this work thoughtfully.”
The commission will be established on June 1 after two panel members are appointed to work with LaForme. Their task is to prepare an historical record of what happened in the schools, and they therefore have access to church and government archives that will give clues to how the schools operated. The commission is not intended to be a gathering place for evidence for criminal prosecution.
The commission is part of the multi-billion dollar settlement approved by the federal government, which also mandated lump sum payments to all former students. Churches, including the Presbyterian Church, have been involved in their own settlements, and will take part in the truth and reconciliation commission when necessary.
A formal apology from the federal government is expected before Parliament breaks for the summer. -AM with files from National Post
