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When Canadians hear “settler” or “colonialist” or “genocide” tossed scornfully at them, they quite reasonably ask themselves whether everything done to right our historical wrongs has been for nothing

But there is another spread of emotions. They come, to be blunt, as a backlash against the more extreme and angry expressions of some native leaders. When Canadians hear “settler” or “colonialist” or “genocide” tossed scornfully at them, they quite reasonably ask themselves: Have all the efforts to respond to native grievance, both financial and political — the very real and dedicated efforts of so many years to get beyond the distrust and anger — been for nothing?

Can Canada be accused of willful neglect, even racism as some radicals portray it, when every government — and I keep insisting the majority of citizens — really has made efforts to end poverty on reserves, to offer programs to rescue youth from the perils of drugs and addiction, to keep basic services working?

Aboriginal issues are the ones on which — regardless of party — most politicians display the greatest sensitivity and make the strongest efforts to connect. These issues are treated with the greatest delicacy.

What was that august and dignified ceremony in the House of Commons of June, 11, 2008 about, the ceremony in which all leaders of national parties, face to face in the Chamber with band leaders and chiefs, most eloquently Phil Fontaine, came together to express on behalf of all citizens of Canada their regret and apology over residential schools — a cruel wrong that symbolizes so many other cruel wrongs? That was the real public window on how Canada feels towards its native peoples — and should still be a starting point to the work of reconciliation and repair that all good-souled people in this country, native and non-native, really want. That’s what was felt that day by leader Mary Simon in her searing words to the Prime Minister: “I have to face you to say this because it comes from the bottom of my heart,” she said. “The generosity in the words chosen to convey this apology will help us end this dark period.”