Premier apologizes to residential school survivors of Makkovik and Hopedale

Premier Andrew Furey brought apologies to residential school survivors Thursday in the Inuit coastal communities of Makkovik and Hopedale — although at least one young resident says the gesture has limited value for the next generation without commitments on top of words.

Aaju Lightfoot, 11, chose not to attend the apology in Makkovik. She stayed home with her mother, Janine, who had concerns with the rollout of the apologies — a tight six stops scheduled in just three days. 

"I think if he doesn't give money to our culture and our language, then his sorry doesn't mean anything," Aaju said. "Those residential schools tried to take away our culture."

Aaju said her great grandparents and grandafther attended residential schools, but didn't speak about it often.

"They didn't really tell me much, because it's hard to talk about," she said. "It's important for people to know what really happened, to know the truth."

It was the second day of Furey's three-day trip to Labrador, which began with two similar apologies Wednesday in Rigolet and Postville. 

"There is no disputing that children in these schools were physically and emotionally separated from their communities and from their families," Furey said. "As time passed, there was a weakening of their knowledge, of their language, of their culture, and of their traditions."

Furey went on to acknowledge the hardships faced by survivors — their neglect, and experiences of physical and sexual abuse. 

"As premier, and on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, I extend this apology to the students for all that you have experienced while in residential schools, to your families, and to all Labrador Inuit. We are sorry that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador allowed this to happen, and did not step in to protect the children who needed to be protected."

Toby Andersen, who was sent to a residential school at the age of 12, accepted the apology on behalf of Nunatsiavut.

He said he's relieved to hear the premier's apology, but — like Aaju Lightfoot — says it's just the first step toward reconciliation. 

"We lived it. We lived with the trauma of being taken from home, and sent to a strange place," said Andersen. "It changed our lives. So hearing the apology today, and the sincerity of the premier ... it was heart-lifting that it's finally happening."

Now Andersen wants to see the government start work on improving the quality of life for those on the north coast. 

He says that means addressing health care and supply issues.