Canada begins indigenous assimilation review
Updated
The truth and reconciliation commission looking into Canada's system of residential schools for indigenous people begins its work today.
The schools, which ran from the late 1800s to the 1960s, were funded by the government and run by churches.
They were designed to assimilate native children into white culture, but thousands of native children were physically, sexually and emotionally abused.
As part of a compensation package, a truth and reconciliation commission will travel the country over the next five years to hold public hearings on the abuses so that victims have an opportunity to tell their stories.
The commission is headed by aboriginal judge, Harry LaForme.
Critics have said the commission will make little difference, but others including Justice LaForme say it will help bring closure by allowing all Canadians to come to terms with this part of their history.
