In 2008, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established to raise awareness for residential schools.

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The Truth and Reconciliation Commission allowed aboriginal people affected by residential schools to speak about their experiences. They all reported to have experienced physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Throughout the years The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has achieved to gain access to 3.5 million documents held by the federal government which were related to residential schools.

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Furthermore, on June 11, 2008 Prime Minister Harper offered a formal apology in the House of Commons on behalf of the Canadian government to all of the aboriginal communities impacted by residential schools.