The president of the University of Manitoba apologized today to the survivors of Canada's residential school system.

The university didn't play a direct role in schools where Native children suffered physical mental and sexual abuse. But president David Barnard said educators should have done something to change the system.

“Our institution failed to recognize or challenge the forced assimilation of aboriginal peoples and the subsequent loss of their language, culture and traditions. That was a grave mistake. It is our responsibility. We are sorry," Barnard told the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, The Toronto Star reported.

The testimony came as Canada's Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan announced that the survivors of the residential schools will be commemorated in a stained glass window at Parliament Hill. A Native artist will be hired to create the window.

"This is a symbolic gesture in the right direction commemorating a significant piece of our shared history and the need to move forward," Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo said in a press release. "This permanent piece of artwork will help ensure that Parliamentarians and all Canadians remember the many children and families impacted by residential schools. Steps like this can help generate mutual understanding and lead to lasting change and reconciliation between First Nations and other Canadians based on respect and trust."

Get the Story:
U of M president apologizes for residential schools (CBC 10/27)
University of Manitoba president apologizes for its role in residential schools (CP 10/27)
University of Manitoba president apologizes for role in residential schools (The Toronto Star 10/27)
Parliament window to mark residential schools (CBC 10/27)

An Opinion:
Jonathan Kay: Why is U Manitoba apologizing for residential-schools crimes it never committed? (The National Post 10/27)