Premier Furey Delivering Apologies to Residential Schools Survivors in Nunatsiavut and Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Press Release
November 1, 2023
The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is delivering apologies on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to Labrador Inuit residential schools survivors.
The Premier apologized at ceremonies today in the Labrador Inuit communities of Rigolet and Postville. He was joined by Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe. In attendance were former students of residential schools, their family members, community members, and elected officials of the Nunatsiavut Assembly. Apology ceremonies are scheduled to be held in Makkovik and Hopedale on November 2 and Nain and Happy Valley-Goose Bay on November 3.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is apologizing for the hardships experienced by Inuit children from Hebron, Hopedale, Makkovik, Nain, Nutak, Postville, Rigolet and Upper Lake Melville while attending residential schools. The apologies acknowledge that Labrador Inuit children were physically and emotionally separated from their communities and families.
Through a resolve to come to terms with the past, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is humbly apologizing to the Labrador Inuit students who attended residential schools and pledging to shape a future with Inuit that is founded on respect, cooperation, partnership, and trust.
The Statement of Apology to residential schools survivors and family members in the five Labrador Inuit communities and Happy Valley-Goose Bay is available at these links:
Quotes
“As a government and as a people, I hold firm the conviction that we collectively have a responsibility to understand the sad history of residential schools. Only when we do that can we begin to advance Reconciliation – we have to learn, we have to say sorry, and we have to commit to do better.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“This apology is a step forward towards healing and reconciliation. It is important that we acknowledge the terrible tragedies of the past and work together to build a better tomorrow, while continuing to support survivors and their families as they move forward with courage and strength.”
Johannes Lampe
President, Nunatsiavut
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Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Schools
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