Governor General hosts a roundtable discussion on reconciliation

To mark the one-year anniversary of the Government of Canada’s official apology to former students of residential schools, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, hosted a roundtable discussion on reconciliation. The discussion, presented by the Legacy of Hope Foundation, will took place at the National Gallery of Canada on June 11, 2009.

To launch the discussion, the Governor General delivered a speech on reconciliation as well as her recent visit to Canada’s North in front of panellists, survivors of residential schools, leaders of Aboriginal groups, community leaders, high school students and Parliamentarians and other government officials.

Throughout her mandate, the Governor General has made Aboriginal issues one of her main priorities. One year ago on June 11, 2008, Her Excellency attended the ceremony for the Statement of Apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools on Parliament Hill.

The discussion was moderated by CTV Reporter Ms. Rosemary Thompson, and panellists were (left to right) National Chief Phil Fontaine, Mr. John Ralston Saul and Chief Robert Joseph. The discussion was presented by the Legacy of Hope Foundation, a national, charitable organization whose purpose is to educate and create awareness and understanding about the legacy of residential schools, including the effects and intergenerational impacts on First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and to support the ongoing healing process of Residential School Survivors.

Survivors of residential schools, leaders of Aboriginal groups, community leaders, high school students and Parliamentarians and other government officials attended the discussion and stood up to ask questions.

The Governor General concluded the discussion with closing remarks.