The moderator reflects on healing and reconciliation (audio clip)

Remembering the children: Aboriginal and church leaders' tour, 1-10 March 2008

Special guests waiting to enter the Grand Hall at the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec on 2 March 2008.
Photo by: Robert Tate

Canada will soon mark a pivotal moment in its history, as the Government of Canada officially launches the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The 5-year mandate of the commission is to provide former residential school students with an opportunity to share their individual experiences in a safe and culturally appropriate manner, and to hear from others who share a history of involvement and concern for the legacy of the residential school system.

In early March the spiritual leaders of the Anglican, United, and Presbyterian Churches, along with representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, will travel together to help prepare for Truth and Reconciliation. They will visit Ottawa (March 2-3), Vancouver (March 5), Saskatoon (March 9), and Winnipeg (March 10) to attend public events which all Presbyterians are encouraged to attend.

The Moderator of the 133rd General Assembly, The Rev. Dr. J.H. Hans Kouwenberg, has written a reflection on the importance of the tour.

For more information on the tour, see the press release or go to www.rememberingthechildren.ca.

Update

Listen to The Rev. Dr. J.H. Hans Kouwenberg speaking at the event in Ottawa: