In a pivotal moment for Canadian-Indigenous relations, Prime Minister Stephen Harper formally apologized to First Nations communities for the harms inflicted through the Indian residential school system. This program, which operated from the late 19th century until the 1990s, sought to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture, often resulting in severe physical and emotional abuse, as well as significant cultural disruption. Many of these children were forcibly removed from their families and placed in institutions where they were banned from speaking their native languages or practicing their cultural traditions.

During the apology, delivered in the House of Commons, Harper took full responsibility for the government's role in the residential schools and recognized the lasting impacts these policies had on individuals and communities. He expressed deep remorse for the hurt and suffering experienced by generations of Indigenous children and their families. This official acknowledgment was a significant moment for reconciliation, aimed at healing divisions between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government.

The apology was widely supported by Indigenous leaders and communities, marking a turning point in dialogues surrounding Indigenous rights in Canada. It highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue, respect, and partnership with First Nations, paving the way for further steps towards reconciliation and justice.

In the years that followed, the apology was the first of many actions taken towards addressing the needs and rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging past wrongs in order to build a better future together.