TRC report could represent a new era of relations: BC’s grand chief

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – As the Truth and Reconciliation Commission releases its report calling for all levels of government to make changes to how they interact with First Nations people, BC’s grand chief says it could represent a new era of relations between First Nations and other Canadians.

“Canadians have every right to know and understand the true history of this country in terms of colonization and the brutal impact colonization had on the original people of these lands, the indigenous peoples,” says Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.

For Phillip, some of the 94 recommendations — like the one about keeping First Nations families together whenever possible as opposed to going down the foster care road — are very personal.

“I was apprehended when I was less than a year old, myself, and placed in care for the balance of my life until I became an adult,” says Phillip.

“In my case, I was placed in care and completely isolated from my family, my community, had absolutely no knowledge or exposure to the language, to our culture or traditions.”

The report also makes recommendations about reducing the use of conditional and mandatory sentences for First Nations in the justice system.

There are many other recommendations spanning areas like health and education within the report, which looked at the atrocities carried out by people working in church and government-run residential schools.

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