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Abandoning neutrality

Broadcast Date: Oct. 30, 1992

Georges Erasmus is in Saskatchewan as co-chair of the historic Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. The government set up the commission in 1991 to mend relationships between native and non-native peoples in Canada. In an uncharacteristic move, Erasmus abandons his role as the neutral diplomat and attacks the Roman Catholic Church during a commission hearing. For 12 minutes Erasmus condemns the church for forcing native peoples to abandon their language, culture and tradition, reports CBC Radio's Maureen Brosnahan.

In a quiet but emotional voice, Erasmus says it's not good enough to say it was in the past. He demands that Catholic bishops appear before the commission and accept responsibility for their actions.

Abandoning neutrality

• Georges Erasmus was appointed to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in 1991 along with Judge René Dussault. They were to come up with practical solutions to ancient problems.
• Erasmus's family moved to Yellowknife when he was just one year old. He was educated in Catholic schools.

Abandoning neutrality

Medium: Radio

Program: World Report

Broadcast Date: Oct. 30, 1992

Guest(s): Georges Erasmus

Host: Russ Germain, Barbara Smith
Reporter: Maureen Brosnahan

Duration: 1:58

Last updated:
July 26, 2004