Monday, April 23, 2012

Emotions run high at TRC

Truth and Reconciliation Commission


Bishop Richard Gagnon of Victoria presents his statement to the Truth and Reconciliation commissioners and witnesses at the TRC regional event in Victoria.
OMI brother apologizes for abuse but says not all involved were guilty of wrongdoing

Former students from Indian residential schools were emotional when they shared their experiences at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's regional event in Victoria April 13-14. The emotion they expressed was anger when Brother Tom Cavanaugh, OMI, a former teacher at a residential school, spoke about some of the positive influences the schools had on native communities.

"What I experienced over the six years at Christie Residential School was a staff of native and non-native adults working together to provide as much as possible a safe, loving environment for the children attending Christie School," he said to a chorus of boos and profane language. Justice Murray Sinclair, chairman of the TRC, had to interject and ask the crowd to respect all parties telling their stories.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

1 comment:

  1. This is quite difficult. We have to recognize and apologize for wrongdoing. Hopefully we will be able to tell more positive stories. There was and is wrong doing everywhere, but WE ARE THE CATHOLICS so we have to pick up the cross and carry it. Gloria D. Enoch, OFS

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