Douglas Cardinal, Canadian Architect, Reflects on the Importance of Gestures of Reconciliation

Douglas Cardinal, Canadian Architect

"I believe it is important to let Canadians know the tragedy around Residential Schools, because most Canadians do not know that part of their history. A lot of it has been covered over and it's really blight on our history in Canada. It is important for the public to know, so that people would have the opportunity of undoing the damage that's done to their language, their culture, their communities and their people. I think any gesture helps, and any people reaching out for understanding and forgiveness is important. Once one has - in order to really receive forgiveness you have to tell the truth and I think the Government told the truth, and in that way asking for forgiveness and I think that was an amazing gesture by the Government, representing the people of Canada."