CTC Welcomes the TRC Report and calls for action

For Immediate Release

June 3, 2015

CTC Welcomes the TRC Report and calls for action

Yesterday marked a special day in Canada’s history.

The report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is an important milestone on the path to justice and healing for Canada’s First Nations communities. The path that has led Canada to this crossroads marks one of the darkest chapters in our history – one in which our First Nations communities faced enormous hardship, insufferable pain, and irredeemable loss. The treatment of children in residential schools for 7 generations has been described as cultural genocide by both the Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Justice Murray Sinclair and Chief Justice Beverly McLaughlin of the Supreme Court of Canada. This is a damning indictment of our collective history.

The Canadian Tamil Congress takes the 97 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to heart, and will work with members of our First Nations Communities to express our solidarity and support. Tamil Canadians understand that each and every Canadian has a role to make amends and will strive to do our part in ensuring our First Nations Communities are extended dignity, respect and their rightful place in Canada.

“I am deeply moved by the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its report. The witnesses braved many personal obstacles and pain to tell their stories. To the extent we can, the Canadian Tamil Congress intends to work towards this healing process with our First Nations Communities, governments at all levels and other civil society institutions. The Report places a historic responsibility for us living in Canada today to play our part in ensuring justice for our First Peoples, and accordingly, the CTC unequivocally commits to do our part,” stated Raj Thavaratnasingam, President of the Canadian Tamil Congress.

CTC has always maintained that the truth is essential to make amends and move forward. It is integral that we do right by our First Nations peoples, and work together with our political leaders to bring about the changes called for in the report. CTC would like to add our voice to the chorus calling for a speedy implementation of the TRC recommendations.

Together, we must ensure this isn’t the end of the road for First Nations communities. Our work is only beginning.

For more information, please contact Canadian Tamil Congress: (416) 240-0078