B.C. chiefs issue open letter on federal funding for Aboriginal Healing Foundation

Leaders of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs issued the following open letter calling on the Harper government to reinstate funding for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, which wasn't renewed in the federal budget:

March 25, 2010

Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street,
Ottawa KIA 0A2
Via email: pm@pm.gc.ca and fax: 1-613-941-6900

URGENT

Dear Prime Minister Harper:

On Wednesday, June 11, 2008, on behalf of Canada, you issued an apology to former Indian Residential schools students for the sad chapter in Canada's history.

You acknowledged that our stories disclosed tragic accounts of the emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect of helpless children, and their separation from powerless families and communities. The Apology acknowledges that on behalf of Canada, you are willing to carry the burden of Indian Residential Schools and will join us in our recovery.

The Apology was intended to be a positive step in forging a new relationship between Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians, a relationship based on the knowledge of our shared history, a respect for each other and a desire to move forward together with a renewed understanding that strong families, strong communities and vibrant cultures and traditions will contribute to a stronger Canada for all of us.

We request that you continue to support the recovery of the many survivors and families from the tragic experiences of Indian Residential Schools. The communities of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs have benefited from the services of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and request that you provide ongoing financial resources that would allow survivors and families to continue to heal so that we may journey together to a stronger Canada that will include former Indian Residential School students.

On behalf of the UNION OF BC INDIAN CHIEFS

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
President

Chief William Charlie
Vice-President

Chief Robert Chamberlin
Secretary-Treasurer