Manitoba minister says residential schools meant to eliminate Indigenous people
A Manitoba cabinet minister who, three weeks ago, defended some of the intentions behind residential schools said Wednesday the schools were part of a genocide under a plan by former prime minister Sir John A. Macdonald.
"It wasn't just cultural genocide. They weren't just attempting to erase the culture," Alan Lagimodiere said.
"Sir John A. ... his plan was to eliminate Indigenous people from Canada, and that to me is genocide."
Lagimodiere was promoted to the Progressive Conservative government's cabinet last month and sworn in as minister of Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations. He replaced Eileen Clarke, who resigned after Premier Brian Pallister made controversial remarks about Canadian history that were denounced by Indigenous leaders.
Within an hour of being named to the cabinet post, while answering questions from reporters, Lagimodiere defended some of the intentions behind residential schools. He said people at the time thought they were doing the right thing and the schools were originally aimed at teaching skills to Indigenous children.
Lagimodiere, who is Metis, issued a full apology the next day and has been visiting First Nations communities recently on what he called a "listening and learning journey."
The head of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said he has not been reassured.
Grand Chief Arlen Dumas said it is hard to tell if Lagimodiere's reasons for using the word "genocide" are sincere or whether the minister is trying to get beyond the backlash his original comments caused.
"Fundamentally, these statements that he is making today are obviously a reaction and a realization of the ignorant and ill-informed comments that he made before," Dumas said.
"I am glad that he is getting a proper historical education."
But Dumas said it may not be enough for many Indigenous leaders who have refused to meet with the minister since his original remarks.
The distinction between cultural genocide and genocide has been brought back into focus this year.
While the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report said Canada engaged in cultural genocide against Indigenous people, the 2019 report from the national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women used the term genocide.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in 2019 and again this year that he accepts that finding.
In June, New Democrat member of Parliament Leah Gazan, who represents Winnipeg Centre, failed to get unanimous approval for a motion for the House of Commons to recognize the residential schools policy as a genocide.
Lagimodiere's use of the word came as he announced the next step in plans for a new monument on the Manitoba legislature grounds to commemorate the signing of the first treaty in Western Canada, known as the Peguis-Selkirk Treaty.
A design competition is being opened up for the monument, which is to feature Chief Peguis and would be the first statue of a First Nations person on the grounds.
The provincial government is putting up $500,000 for the project, which is to be completed in the summer of 2024.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 4, 2021.
-- With files from Kelly Geraldine Malone
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Former Air Canada employees among suspects identified in gold heist at Pearson airport: police
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
'$6.66 per day': Advocacy groups disheartened by funding in budget for disability benefit
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
MPs summon ArriveCan contractor to the House to be admonished in rare parliamentary display
Enacting an extraordinarily rarely used parliamentary power, MPs have summoned an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon to be admonished publicly for failing to answer their questions.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Gas prices across Ontario expected to climb to levels not seen since 2022, analyst says
Ontario is going to see a big jump at the pumps later this week as gas prices in the province hit levels not seen in nearly two years, according to one industry analyst.
Ancient skeletons unearthed in France reveal Mafia-style killings
More than 5,500 years ago, two women were tied up and probably buried alive in a ritual sacrifice, using a form of torture associated today with the Italian Mafia, according to an analysis of skeletons discovered at an archeological site in southwest France.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s sons have released a single together
A new Lennon and McCartney collaboration is the last thing anybody expected.