Concluding Statements
It can be seen by the many negative effects and events that have happened today that Residential Schools were, in every respect, unnecessary, damaging and in some cases life-threatening. They have caused numerous problems nowadays that the government has failed to resolve, such as high suicide rates, unemployment, violence and drug use. The Aboriginal Healing Fund, established in 1998, did not provide adequate financial support to aid those in need of help through community based healing projects which were forced to close after a few years. A stable long term financial strategy has still not yet been provided. Even Canada's recent Racism Action Plan (33.) sought to solve issues in physical and mental health of residential school survivors, yet many are still left with the scars that they will carry for the rest of their lives.
The only way to prevent such a social problem from taking place in the future lies in the hands of the public, and their perceptions of those who may not be of the same culture. Instead of assimilation, Canada must be shaped by its diversity, not for it. Awareness needs to be spread about minorities who may be experiencing troubles with the stiff governmental systems (31). The government must also realize its responsibility to provide help and support, both financial and emotional, to those in need, in a way that will ensure their success in Canada. Only then, as said by Stephen Harper, will we all 'have a respect for each other and a desire to move forward together with a renewed understanding that strong families, strong communities and vibrant cultures and traditions will contribute to a stronger Canada for all of us.' (34.)
The only way to prevent such a social problem from taking place in the future lies in the hands of the public, and their perceptions of those who may not be of the same culture. Instead of assimilation, Canada must be shaped by its diversity, not for it. Awareness needs to be spread about minorities who may be experiencing troubles with the stiff governmental systems (31). The government must also realize its responsibility to provide help and support, both financial and emotional, to those in need, in a way that will ensure their success in Canada. Only then, as said by Stephen Harper, will we all 'have a respect for each other and a desire to move forward together with a renewed understanding that strong families, strong communities and vibrant cultures and traditions will contribute to a stronger Canada for all of us.' (34.)