No. It's your fault!

Page 6

We gained some new respect for the new Indian and Northern Affairs minister earlier this month as we participated in a telephone press conference called by the minister for the Aboriginal media. For someone who keeps repeating how new she is and how little she knows about her cabinet post, Jane Stewart tip-toed around some tough questions with remarkable poise.

However, when it came to the residential school apology that was recommended in the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples report published one year ago, she didn't have a chance - or a clue.

The minister tried to show compassion for the generations of Aboriginal people who were raped (either literally or figuratively) by the government of Canada and a collection of religious organizations, but maybe that was her mistake. Compassion on the part of the minister makes a funny smell when it's mixed with the government's painfully obvious plan to just deny, deny, deny.

When it comes to historical wrongs - especially when hundreds (maybe thousands) of victims of those historical wrongs are still alive and waiting patiently for a chance to bring justice crashing down on the heads of the people who victimized them - to say that this isn't about apologizing for the mistakes of others is asinine. To turn around and comment that Aboriginal people should be told that "It's not your fault," adds further insult to injury. Of course it isn't the fault of the children who became prey to those who would abuse their authority over them. This is patronizing, touchy-feely nonsence to get the government off the hook, and it's time the minister cut the crap.

The government of Canada doesn't die or retire or change careers. The government of Canada has existed since 1867 and it took over the responsibility for Aboriginal people from the British Crown at a time that dates back to European contact. The fact is, the government of Canada broke the law or committed a civil wrong then, and it is the same government of Canada that exists today. The facts are indisputable that an offence occurred. Guess what, madame minister? The government of Canada - you and your colleagues - are responsible. If you have any sense of honor at all, you'll apologize.