Salute letter from Master

The Canadian government has taken an admirable step in apologizing for its assimilation policy from the late 19th century to the 1990s, which resulted in the separation of more than 150,000 indigenous children from their families when they were sent to state-funded Christian schools. The formal apology was issued in Parliament by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, before a combined live and television audience of more than one million aborigines in Canada. Prime Minister Harper said, “We now recognize that it was wrong to separate children from rich and vibrant cultures and traditions, and that it created a void in many lives and communities and we apologize.”

In a salute letter to the Prime Minister in August 2008, Supreme Master Ching Hai expressed Her warmest gratitude that his “sincerity and wisdom has certainly helped to mend hearts, uplift spirits, and pave the way to love and harmony in the community.” Prime Minister Harper graciously welcomed Master’s thoughtful gesture and loving support in his reply.  

September 2, 2008 Dear Supreme Master Ching Hai: Please accept my sincere gratitude for the framed letter, books, DVDs and CDs which you sent to me in recognition of our Government’s apology to the survivors of residential schools. Rest assured that your Association’s thoughtful gesture will continue to remind me of this historic occasion. While no apology could erase this sad chapter in Canadian history, we believed our Government has demonstrated a sincere commitment to achieving reconciliation with Aboriginal people across the country. Once again, thank you for your kind gifts, and for extending your blessing and well wishes. Sincerely, The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P. Prime Minister of Canada

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