Day of Atonement: Indian Residential Schools

June 11, 2008 - Today, Prime Minister Harper delivered an official apology in Parliament regarding the Indian Residential School Program implemented by the Canadian government back in the early 1900s.

The SOGC and its partners are committed to helping aboriginal women move forward by extending our expertise and resources to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women and their families to build the foundation for improved overall health and well-being. The SOGC is proud of its leading edge focus on designing a health map that combines traditional knowledge with contemporary medical practice in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology.

The SOGC feels strongly that it can proactively contribute to achieving social restorative justice. This can be achieved through the use of our clinical practice guidelines (such as the guideline on victims of domestic abuse), the implementation of key strategies by the government (such as the Aboriginal Birthing Strategy) and increased accessibility of our education material to improve awareness, understanding, and behaviours as they relate to sexual and reproductive health.

The SOGC recognizes the profound impact that Indian Residential Schools have had on the mothers and the children in aboriginal communities across Canada. More importantly, we want to be part of the solution.

Watch the Apology

Part 1

Part 2

 

Last Updated June 12, 2008