For hundreds of gathered at Shubenacadie, N.S., listening to Prime Minister Stephen Harper's apology Wednesday for the treatment of natives at the schools was an emotional experience.
'I knew how much this apology means to the survivors and their families.'— Lennox Island Chief Darlene Bernard
The schools, which first opened in the 19th century with some not closing until 1996, were designed to strip native children of their culture. Some students suffered physical and sexual abuse. Island natives joined many from across the region at Shubenacadie, the site of the school most aboriginals from P.E.I. were forced to attend, to hear the apology, which was delivered in the House of Commons.
"I was feeling really emotional, because I knew how much this apology means to the survivors and their families," said Lennox Island Chief Darlene Bernard.
"The apology was heartfelt. I think that the government certainly took responsibility, said that they were wrong. And I think that it was accepted by the people in the room."
Leslie Labobe, whose mother attended a residential school in Ontario, said the damage done to his culture may never be completely undone.
"It's taken several generations to get over this. The culture is coming back, but unfortunately a lot of our people have lost the language," said Labobe.
His mother Genevieve, who was in Shubenacadie with her son, won't get into specifics about what happened to her while she was a student at Muncie Residential School near London, Ont., but said the apology left her feeling empty.
"What am I feeling? Nothing. For me, it was 72 years too late. I have to live with this by myself," said.
In Ottawa, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine said the apology should mark the beginning of a new era in aboriginal relations.