Statement of Apology: Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1. Who will deliver the Indian Residential Schools apology? Where and when will it take place?
Answer 1. The Statement of Apology will be made by the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill, Ottawa on Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time). Although the Statement of Apology is an official Parliamentary function, all other business in the House of Commons will be suspended in order to acknowledge the importance of this event in the lives of former students of Indian Residential Schools.
Question 2. Will the apology be televised?
Answer 2. Yes, the apology will be televised on CPAC, CBC Newsworld and most likely the other major networks. Please consult your local listings for programming.
Question 3. Who can attend the apology in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill?
A3. Anyone can attend the apology; however, there are a limited number of seats available in the Public Galleries of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill. Seats are available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternative locations for viewing the Apology will be available for those who do not obtain a seat in the House of Commons. It is recommended that individuals who are planning to attend allow sufficient time to proceed through security points and therefore should arrive on Parliament Hill by approximately 1:30 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time).Parliament Hill security requires that you provide valid photo identification.
Question 4. Will there be additional events to mark the apology?
Answer 4. Individuals should check with local Aboriginal organizations or Churches as they may be planning community events. The apology will most likely be televised. Individuals or groups may want to gather to watch it together, with time and space for discussions and/or ceremonies as you think appropriate. If you do so, you may want to consider having health supports available in case of strong emotional reactions.
You may also wish to contact the Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada (INAC) office in your region. Contact information for all INAC offices can be found on the Contact Regional Offices page.
Question 5. How can I get crisis support and other health counseling?
Answer 5. A crisis line is available 24-hours a day by calling 1-866-925-4419. Health supports are also available through Health Canada. For more information about health supports that are available in your area, please consult Health Canada's Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program webpage.
Question 6. How can I obtain a copy of the apology?
Answer 6. The full text of the apology will be made available on the Prime Minister of Canada's website following the statement of apology by the Prime Minister.
Question 7. Where can I obtain more information about the apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools?
Answer 7. Further information about the apology related to Indian Residential Schools can be found, and will be updated regularly, here on the INAC website or by calling 1-866-879-4913 between 8:00am and 11:00pm (Eastern Daylight Time) seven days a week.