Government of Canada Provides Funding for a Documentary on Residential Schools

November 12, 2009

WINNIPEG - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Shelly Glover, Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Saint Boniface), today announced funding for First Voice Multimedia to produce a documentary on the history and development of Indian Residential Schools and their impact on individuals, communities, and the larger population.

"We are proud to support First Voice Multimedia in its efforts to offer Canadians the opportunity to learn about this sombre period in Canada's history and its effects on our country," said Minister Moore.

"The residential school system is a sad chapter in our history. As a Métis woman and a police officer, I have seen first hand the impacts of this program on generations of Aboriginal people," said Mrs. Glover. "I am proud that our Government is helping to fund this documentary in order to better educate all Canadians about residential schools and hopefully help with the healing process for those who have suffered emotionally and physically."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $50,000 under the Canadian Studies Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Through this program, the Department supports the development of learning materials and activities that help increase Canadians' knowledge about Canada.