Autism Speaks Canada is dedicated to increasing understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of people with autism spectrum disorder. The spirit of these principles can be applied to all marginalized groups in Canada.
Autism Speaks Canada offers our sincerest condolences to Indigenous communities across Canada. In a joint statement by the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services “Residential schools were part of a colonial policy that removed Indigenous children from their communities. Thousands of children were sent to these schools and never returned to their families. The families were often provided with little to no information on the circumstances of their loved one’s death nor the location of their burial.”
In recognizing the intergenerational trauma of such events for the Indigenous peoples; together as a country, we must do better to ensure such tragedies do not continue. It is our sincere hope, Canada can learn from its past, offer real reconciliation, and build an even stronger nation that supports and respects all Canadians especially the Indigenous peoples, First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Every Child Matters.