Question Period Note: Disclosure of Indian Residential Schools Documents
About
- Reference number:
- CIR-2022-QP-00008
- Date received:
- Dec 17, 2021
- Organization:
- Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
- Name of Minister:
- Miller, Marc (Hon.)
- Title of Minister:
- Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Suggested Response:
• The tragic news from Kamloops and other communities are poignant reminders of the horrific harms done to Indian Residential School survivors and the trauma they and their families continue to suffer every day.
• The Government has turned over all relevant documents located – over 4 million – to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. These documents are housed at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
• We will continue to work collaboratively with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on document issues related to Indian Residential Schools.
Background:
N/A
Additional Information:
If pressed on Catholic Documents
• All parties have an obligation under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement to disclose all relevant Indian Residential Schools documents to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
• Prime Minister has urged the Catholic Church and its entities to provide all documents related to missing children and burials at Indian Residential Schools.
• Archbishop Michael Miller said Vancouver's archdiocese "will be fully transparent" with its archives and records regarding Indian Residential Schools. He called on all Catholic Churches and Government organizations to do the same.
• Our Government will work collaboratively with survivors and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to release documents. We are hopeful that progress will continue to be made.