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	Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada to Hold First National Event in Winnipeg First Perspective May 29, 2010 http://www.firstperspective.ca/index.php/component/content/article/25-releases/352-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada-to-hold-first-national-event-in-winnipeg Winnipeg, Manitoba (May 28, 2010) -- Survivors of Canada's 150-year-old Indian Residential School system will gather in Winnipeg at The Forks from June 16 to 19 for the first of seven National Events to be hosted by The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). The event is intended to draw together survivors, and others whose lives have been impacted by the schools, to contribute their statements to the public record. "The voices of survivors must be heard," says TRC Commissioner Justice Murray Sinclair. "We are holding these National Events to listen to the survivors and all those affected by residential schools. We want to reach out to the larger community as well, to provide opportunities for healing and greater awareness. Only by sharing these experiences will we truly understand them. This process will help ensure that future generations receive the wisdom of the people and move forward with respect." STATEMENTS & HEALING The seven National Events to be held across Canada will provide individuals with a safe and culturally appropriate setting to provide a statement of their IRS experiences directly to the Commission. "Each statement is a unique experience that will be preserved to form an essential part of Canada's known history. In this way, Canada will never forget what happened at Indian Residential Schools," says Justice Sinclair. The process of statement gathering is often traumatic for survivors, and health supports will be available onsite for anyone experiencing difficulty. In addition, traditional healing and meditation practices will be offered, along with opportunities for the community to make gestures of reconciliation. Representatives of Churches involved with residential schools will be available as well, to promote a fuller understanding of the impact the schools have had, and continue to have, on those involved. PROGRAMMING & EVENTS The official program begins with the Lighting of the Sacred Fire and Pipe Ceremony on June 16, and concludes on June 19 with a traditional pow-wow. Various musical artists, including Buffy Sainte-Marie, Susan Aglukark, and Blue Rodeo, will add their voices to the call for healing and understanding of the impact residential schools have had. Other event highlights include a performance by Inuit throat singers and Métis Jamboree. Additional programming will be available in other venues in addition to The Forks. The Winnipeg Art Gallery will host an exhibit and Manitoba Theatre for Young People will feature programming including a world premiere by playwright Ian Ross. ABOUT THE TRC The mandate of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) is to inform all Canadians about what happened in Indian Residential Schools. The Commission was established as a result of the 2007 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the largest class action lawsuit in the history of Canada at that time. The TRC will document the truth of survivors, families, communities and anyone personally affected by the IRS experience. The aim of the Commission is to guide and inspire Aboriginal peoples and Canadians in a process of reconciliation and renewed relationships that are based on mutual understanding and respect.
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