Truth and Reconciliation in P.a.

By Keely Dakin
Prince Albert Daily Herald
January 30, 2012

http://www.paherald.sk.ca/Local/News/2012-01-30/article-2879555/Truth-and-Reconciliation-in-P.A./1

The truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is coming to Prince Albert this week. From Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, hearings will be held at the Prince Albert Indian and Métis Friendship Centre.

Residential Schools have a 150-year history in Canada and the purpose of the hearings, according the TRC of Canada, is to bear witness to those years and to give a voice to the people who went through them.

The intent of the hearings is to give a space in which to air the violence and the hurt that is still felt by so many people. The hope is that by doing so, all Canadians, aboriginal and non-aboriginal will be able to move forward into a healthier future.

All Canadians are invited to observe the proceedings and act as witnesses. The role of a witness, as described by a TRC media release, is to, "observe or account for the significance of the event," and to bear, "witness to validate the survivor experience."

There will be a Saskatchewan National Event in Saskatoon, June 21-24.

The hearing in Prince Albert is one of 12, which are being held across the province, in preparation for that event.

Hearings are happening on a variety of different dates in many regions across Saskatchewan from Jan. 16 to June 7. They began in Regina and will finish up in La Ronge.