This release was issued under a previous government.

“The Government of Alberta welcomes the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report on a long, dark chapter of our country’s history.

“It took great courage for thousands of First Nations, Metis and Inuit people to speak their truth about the devastating experience of residential schools, and I thank them for that.

“We know that reconciliation is not just a matter of words. It will require thoughtful action over time, and we are committed to carefully reviewing and considering the recommendations in this final report.

“Alberta will walk alongside Indigenous people on the journey of reconciliation, and this will require a fundamental shift from the way previous governments approached this important relationship.

“Since the summary of the final report was released in June, and as a first step in reconciliation, Alberta apologized on behalf of past governments for not taking a stand to stop children from being taken from their homes and placed in federal residential schools.

“As a second step of reconciliation, Alberta joined the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women – one of the Commission’s 94 recommendations. We are pleased that the federal government is moving ahead on this important initiative.

“The Commission has also called upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We are working on doing that, by implementing the principles of the UN Declaration in a way that is consistent with our Constitution and Alberta law.

“We must not only acknowledge the mistakes and abuses of the past, but strive to create a society where Indigenous people can fully participate in the economic, social and cultural life of this province.

“We cannot erase the past, but we can walk hand-in-hand with Indigenous people to build a brighter future for all.”