On August 6th, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, marked the 20th anniversary of Archbishop Michael Peers’ apology to the survivors of residential schools with this statement.

In it, Hiltz states “Then and there the apology was offered-quietly and prayerfully. The next day Vi Smith, speaking on behalf of the elders and participants, said, “It was offered from the heart with sincerity, sensitivity, compassion and humility… We offer praise and thanks to our Creator for his courage.”  Here and now we give thanks to God for Michael’s leadership.  Far-sighted and firm, it set our Church on a new trajectory of healing, reconciliation and new life from which we can never turn back. While Michael described the apology as “a step along the path,” it was, in fact, a huge step.”

For information on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Residential Schools see Truth and Reconciliation.