Canada Has Horrible Record on Residential Schools: Minister

News 1130
February 18, 2013

http://www.news1130.com/2013/02/18/canada-has-horrible-record-on-residential-schools-minister/

Interim Aboriginal Affairs Minister James Moore admits at least 3,000 children died in the schools

OTTAWA (NEWS1130) – Interim Aboriginal Affairs Minister James Moore admits Canada has a horrible record on native residential schools.

For the first time ever, researchers have determined at least 3,000 First Nations children died during forced attendance at native residential schools in Canada.

The findings are included in unpublished research conducted by the Missing Children Project — part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which is examining the 120-year legacy of church-run residential schools across Canada.

Research manager Alex Maass says the numbers could climb as more documents are unearthed.

He says most deaths were from diseases such as tuberculosis, but many children died trying to escape the horrendous conditions — and Maass notes one incident near Vanderhoof in 1937 when four boys under the age of 10 froze to death in slush ice on Fraser Lake, as they tried to return to their parents.

Speaking in Vancouver today, Moore acknowledged the report has revealed horrific details about the school system.

Moore took over aboriginal affairs after John Duncan resigned last week.