The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Journeys to Iqaluit

Survivors and the Public Invited to Nunavut Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 23, 2010 –In the wake of a successful inaugural National Event in Winnipeg last week, the three Commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada journey to Iqaluit, Nunavut today. There they will meet with residential school survivors and attend the annual general meeting of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), the national Inuit organization in Canada representing four Inuit regions – Nunatsiavut (Labrador), Nunavik (northern Quebec), Nunavut, and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region in the Northwest Territories.The three-day visit by Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Commission, and Commissioners Marie Wilson and Chief Wilton Littlechild includes tours of Iqaluit, the Nunavut Legislative Building, Arctic College and Ukivik Residential School.

On June 24th the Commissioners will make a presentation at the ITK annual general meeting. Later that day they will hold a Sharing Circle with survivors and others whose lives have been impacted by residential schools. Services will be available in Inuktituk as will health supports for anyone needing assistance.

“We are delighted to meet with the people of Iqaluit and gather statements from all those who wish to share,” stated Justice Murray Sinclair. “This visit provides the Commission with an excellent opportunity to hear the perspectives of the North and to strengthen this important relationship.”

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established as a result of the 2007 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Its mandate is to inform all Canadians about
what happened in the 150 year history of the residential schools, and guide and inspire a process of reconciliation and renewed relationships based on mutual understanding and respect.

Additional information about the TRC is available at www.trc.ca or by calling 1 (888) TRC-5554.

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Contact:

Nancy Pine
Senior Communications and Outreach Advisor
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
613-947-4647 office
613-316-5654 cell
Nancy.pine@trc.ca