Aboriginal Beliefs, Values, and Aspirations in Contemporary Society

Appendix 2.4.3
Gathering Strength – Canada’s Aboriginal Action Plan
On January 7, 1998, the federal government unveiled Gathering Strength: Canada’s Aboriginal Action
Plan to renew its relationship with Aboriginal people in Canada. The spirit behind the plan is one of
reconciliation, healing, and renewal. Its aim to build a joint plan for the future between Aboriginal people
and the federal government. Its success depends on the participation of Aboriginal people, the
Government of Canada, provincial and territorial governments, the private sector, and Canadians as a
whole.
WHAT?
Gathering Strength is a renewal of our relationship with Aboriginal people. It is based on: recognizing
past mistakes and injustices; commencing reconciliation, healing and renewal; and building a joint plan
for the future.
WHY?
Conditions in Aboriginal communities generally are much worse than those of their non-Aboriginal
neighbours. Many Aboriginal communities lack the appropriate institutions, resources and expertise
needed to deal effectively with such serious problems as rates of infant mortality, youth suicide,
unemployment and dependence on social assistance which are higher than the national average.
WHEN?
Gathering Strength is about taking steps today to give Aboriginal people - particularly Aboriginal youth
and children - the promise of a better tomorrow.
WHO?
The success of Gathering Strength will depend on the determination of the Government of Canada,
provincial and territorial government and the private sector working with Aboriginal people.
HOW?
At the heart of the Action Plan is a commitment to address the needs of communities by building real
partnerships with Aboriginal people, including the development of mechanisms to recognize sustainable
and accountable Aboriginal governments and institutions.
One aspect of our relationship with Aboriginal people over this period that requires particular attention is
the Residential School system which separated many children from their families and communities and
prevented them from speaking their own languages and from learning about their heritage and cultures. In
the worst cases, it left legacies of personal pain and distress that continue to reverberate in Aboriginal
communities to this day. Tragically, some children were the victims of physical and sexual abuse.
The Government of Canada acknowledges the role it played in the development and administration of
these schools. Particularly to those individuals who experienced the tragedy of sexual and physical abuse
at residential schools, and who have carried this burden believing that in some way they must be
responsible, we wish to emphasize that what you experienced was not your fault and should never have
happened. To those of you who suffered this tragedy at residential schools, we are deeply sorry.
Unit 2 - Page 20
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