Truth and Reconciliation Commission's First National Event Welcomed by
Catholic Organizations
Jun 15, 2010, 11:02 ET
WINNIPEG, June 15 /CNW Telbec/ - The group of Catholic organizations that were involved in Canada's former Indian Residential Schools (IRS) system says it welcomes the opportunity to attend the first of seven national events being organized by the IRS Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
Archbishop Gérard Pettipas, Chair of the Corporation of Catholic Entities Party to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement (CCEPIRSS), will be present and participate in the four-day event, which begins in Winnipeg tomorrow. He will be joined at the event by other CCEPIRSS Board members and representatives of Catholic organizations of religious women and men.
Archbishop Pettipas said the group "is committed to supporting the work of the Commission and applauds the launch of the national events as part of an inclusive process to collect the stories of all people who were involved in Canada's IRS system.
"We expect many of these stories will deal with difficult issues from this dark chapter in our country's history. However, we believe former IRS students and staff may also have more positive accounts to relate.
"These national events are crucial milestones on the road to healing and reconciliation for Canada's Aboriginal people and all Canadians, and we are confident the Commission will make every effort to ensure that all perspectives will be heard."
Roman Catholic organizations in Canada have had a long and close relationship with Aboriginal Canadians, said Archbishop Pettipas. "We are proud to continue this association to this day as we work together to ensure a healthier and more respectful future for Canada's Aboriginal Peoples."
CCEPIRSS was created in 2006, to oversee the undertakings of the group of 54 Catholic dioceses and religious congregations under the IRS settlement agreement.
For further information: For further information: Media contact: Jean-Paul Brasseur, Tel.: (613) 830-4766, [email protected]
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