Scouts Canada Apologizes to Tribes | The sad fate of the victims of residential schools for tribal people

In a rare and solemn move, Scouts Canada has officially apologized to the country’s indigenous peoples for their cooperation with the residential school system. In a letter made public, the organization acknowledges it is “not always a safe and inclusive place” for all youth, particularly First Nations, Métis and Inuit members.

The president of the organization, which was founded in 1914, said the letter released on Oct. 3 is part of a desire to reexamine the history of Scouting in Canada over the past two years, particularly the 19th and 20th centuries. Residential schools and day schools for tribal people were organized by the movement.

We found that our policies were being misused in residential schools and tribal day schools to strip them of their cultural identity.Scouts Canada CEO Liam Burns said in a telephone interview.

Today, he says, “I deeply regret the damage and historical injustices this institution has inflicted on children and families over the decades.” In the coming weeks, we will be meeting with Aboriginal communities across Canada to apologizeMr. Burns promised.

We recognize that our movement plays a direct role in the destruction of Indigenous cultures within the geographic boundaries of what we today call Canada.

The 37-year-old, who has been head of the organization for six months, said that for an organization like Scouts Canada, its principles are based on values. Respect and kindnessIt’s time to face his story head on, and it’s painful.

If we don’t realize our mistakes we can’t progress. Along with the church, unfortunately, we were part of an indoctrination program for Aboriginal people, the effects of which are still present today.

Mr. Burns also wants to go further than a simple apology and outreach to indigenous communities, but he is currently not talking about financial compensation for victims and their loved ones.

We are still at the beginning of a processhe said. Together we want to see the participation of the tribes in what form compensation can take for the damage we have caused them.

Commitments on the table

He indicated that his Ottawa-based organization will soon implement programs to allow First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth to feel safe in Scouts Canada.

Scouting has contributed to many abuses perpetrated against indigenous peoples in the name of colonialism and imperialism. We want to make sure this never happens again.

Revised Scouting programs will primarily include celebrating indigenous identities, while others will focus on learning, the leader promised.

Forgiveness is the first step to true and honest cooperation between people. For example, we are going to open up positions to have more Indigenous people within our teams and among our volunteers.he said.

The Chief explained that he had already spoken with several tribal representatives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We cannot predict how all communities in Canada will work, but those we have met are open to the idea of ​​long-term collaboration with our company. It is very encouragingHe finished.