First, a full national apology must be made, and I am pleased to see that Canada is doing this. This was also done in my home country (Australia) recently. (Although in Australia, many aborigines are still marginalized, and this may be what Evan is referring to above).

A national apology, in my view, is a positive step. The simple word ‘sorry’ goes a long way toward healing past hurts and injustices.

Also, reconciliation must be practical, and Commonwealth (or former Commonwealth) countries must take as many practical, positive action steps as possible to help reverse at least some of the damage caused by the injustices of the past.

Andrew’s last blog post..We broke the rules – so we shouldn?t have to pay

The following steps must be done now:

A full International War Crimes Tribunal with the powers to prosecute those who can be held responsible for crimes or cover-ups at the native schools.

A nationwide search for the remains of children – Mr. Annett estimates some 50,000 – who died at these schools, by neglect or abuse, and were never given proper burials.

The creation of a National Aboriginal Holocaust Museum so Canadians will never forget the crimes against humanity that took place in these schools.

An official nationwide “Day of Mourning” for all victims, both dead and living, of residential schools.

An end to any federal tax exemptions for churches that had any involvement in establishing and running such institutions.

The abolishment of the Indian Act, the winding down of the federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs – and the return of all “stolen lands and resources” to Canada’s indigenous nations.

“Likewise, these Indians, should they be educated and guided, there can be no doubt that they will become so illumined as to enlighten the whole world.”

(Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 33)

Alexander Zoltai’s last blog post..Broken ?

How I wish my own country (Australia) had the maturity to do something similar.

Evan’s last blog post..How to Deal with Your Perfectionism