'The damage has already been done': Pallister's apology not enough for Man. Indigenous leaders
In Tuesday’s public health update, Premier Brian Pallister was asked about comments he made in July, after protesters toppled two statues on the Legislature grounds during a protest over the deaths of Indigenous children at residential schools.
Pallister suggested that settlers came here to build and not destroy things.
“I do apologize,” said Pallister. “I feel awful about the misunderstanding I caused with my comments.”
Many Indigenous leaders said his comments were revisionist, and down played the harmful effects of colonialism.
Grand Chief of the Southern Chiefs' Organization, Jerry Daniels doesn’t think the premier offered much of an apology.
“We don’t think that Pallister has the ability or capability, and I’m unsure even people in his cabinet have the capability to move in a direction of reconciliation,” said Daniels.
Daniels wants to see Pallister resign.
In a statement to CTV News, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okinakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee said in part:
“For weeks, Indigenous leaders have been calling for the resignation as well as an apology from Premier Brian Pallister in response to the untrue statements he made about the intentions behind residential schools.”
“I’m not sure that yesterday’s supposed apology goes far enough. The damage has already been done and the Premier continues to make it clear that he isn’t interested in advancing reconciliation.”
The Minister of Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations, Alan Lagimodiere was also in hot water last month when he tried to defend the intentions behind residential schools, is now saying they were a part of genocide.
“We need to move forward acknowledging how deeply wrong some of the decisions made by our past leaders were, and we need to acknowledge the impacts those decisions had,” said Lagimodiere.
Daniels was pleased with the minister’s new perspective.
“We’re quite happy to see that his language has shifted to recognize the genocide that has taken place in Manitoba,” said Daniels.
Daniels would like to see the same shift in Pallister’s language and actions moving forward.
Pallister said his initial comments were intended to unite Manitobans, and he’s hoping for forgiveness and understanding moving forward.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
DEVELOPING Live updates from the Trump hush money trial: Stormy Daniels, bookkeeper testify
Adult film star Stormy Daniels is on the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.
Wilfrid Laurier football player drafted despite only playing 27 games in his entire life
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.