THE CONGRESS OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES COMMENDS MINISTER JOHN DUNCAN’S PLANS TO COMMEMORATE THE LEGACY OF INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS
The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, announced today that he plans to install permanent stained glass artwork in memory of the Indian Residential Schools
October 27, 2011, Ottawa, Ontario - The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) released the following statement today:
CAP would like to congratulate the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today for his announcement that the Government of Canada will commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools through a permanent installation of stained glass artwork in Centre Block on Parliament Hill.
“I would like to thank Minister Duncan for the conciliatory gesture and both the Minister and the Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons, for their collaboration on this project,” stated CAP National Chief Betty Ann Lavallée. CAP is pleased about this initiative and believes that this will make a great teaching tool for all who visit Parliament. “We look forward to seeing the final product and sharing in the celebration when it is completed,” added Chief Lavallée.
CAP would also like to acknowledge and thank Prime Minister Stephen Harper who apologized on behalf of Canadians to former students of Indian Residential Schools and all Aboriginal Peoples for this sad chapter in Canadian history. Canadians witnessed as the Prime Minister acknowledged the abuse experienced by many who attended Indian Residential Schools and the impact this system had on Aboriginal Peoples, languages and culture.
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples as a National Aboriginal Organization represents the interests of off-reserve non-status and status Indians and Métis Aboriginal Peoples living in urban, rural and remote areas throughout Canada. We are also the national voice for this constituency and their affiliate organizations making up the Congress. | 
