On behalf of the RedWAY BC News team and Spiritlink Communications, I send my blessings to the survivors, families and communities deeply impacted by the Residential School System. I raise my hands in respect to the individuals, families and communities that have endured the pain and trauma of having generations of children ripped from their homes.

I hope today's apology from the Canadian Government is heartfelt and sincere, as an international spotlight will be on our country today, watching our collective and individual responses.

Thank you to everyone who sent links, notices and reminders about today's historic event. I offer this issue as a safe space to honour the voices, strength and resilience of Aboriginal people, families, and communities that were forced to send their children to residential schools. All readers are invited to share their comments, reactions, stories, and voices, especially in light of today's historic announcement. Our intent is always to honour, inform and connect people in a respectful way - and so we open this issue to you to share your insights.

I also hope that those Canadians who did not experience the trauma of having families ripped apart then subjected to physical, emotional, mental and spiritual abuses will take time to reflect on the impact of that trauma on parents, grandparents, and children... Try to imagine how that might have changed your own life path if you had been one of the stolen 6-year old children forced to move away from home, speak a foreign language, punished for practicing your cultural beliefs, and not allowed to go home for fear your parents would be put in prison.

I ask that we all take more than just a moment to consider how those racist policies and blantant human rights violations would be seen today - because those policies have shaped Canada's history, identity and future.

Today is a day to genuinely reflect on Canada's past and consider how today's apology will shape your future thoughts and actions, not only towards Aboriginal people, but towards all people of different race, colour, ability, and belief.

Listen from the heart to those voices that have been silenced and ignored - as those diverse voices represent Canada's true First Peoples. It is time we all take time to listen, learn and reflect about the past and our future.

Visit http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/06/11/harper-apology.html now.

This issue is dedicated to honouring the Residential School Survivors. Four Aboriginal Youth writers are watching, listening and learning today. We invite you to share your comments anytime - and we'll include them in this issue.

Over the last two months, Spiritlink has been providing an 'earn and learn' work experience to help four Youth learn to publish this e-zine and manage sections of RedWAY. We have been gathering pictures, profiles and research to share in upcoming issues.

But for today, we send our blessings to help heal the hearts of all Aboriginal peoples, and those Canadians working to build a stronger, more inclusive Canada based on reconciliation, recognition and respect. Next issue: June 16th

Watch the Canadian Government's Official Apology to Residential School Survivors at www.aptn.ca.

In February 2008, we highlighted the Australian Prime Minister's address to Australian Parliament apologizing to their Aboriginal Peoples. View it here http://www.abc.net.au/tv/apology/ or revisit our February 2008 issue, or scroll down to see the archived issues.

Watch the Canadian Government's Official Apology to Residential School Survivors at www.aptn.ca.

In February 2008, we highlighted the Australian Prime Minister's address to Australian Parliament apologizing to their Aboriginal Peoples. View it here http://www.abc.net.au/tv/apology/ or revisit our February 2008 issue, or scroll down to see the archived issues.