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On 11 June 2008, hundreds of Aboriginal people gathered at the federal parliament buildings of Canada in Ottawa. Many had come long distances to witness this important day. All across Canada, in community centres, university classrooms, gymnasiums, living rooms, and schools on reserves, Indigenous people also gathered to witness the prime minister of Canada apologize on behalf of Canadians for the Indian residential schools system. Many had waited decades for this day, never expecting it would arrive. The Toronto Star reported that the atmosphere among the many native families who had gathered on Parliament Hill was almost festive early in the afternoon, like a big family picnic. Old friends and family members reunited, pinched babies’ cheeks and shared cold drinks and ice cream. Music played in the background in the form of traditional drumming and chanting. But the crowd stilled and the mood …