Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave a tearful apology for abuses to indigenous students at residential schools

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a tearful apology on behalf of the Government of Canada to former students of the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Schools

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave a tearful apology for abuses and cultural losses to the former students of residential schools in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Some 150,000 indigenous children over more than 100 years were separated from their families and forced to have a state-run education according to the BBC.'For every Innu, Inuit, and NunatuKavut child in Newfoundland and Labrador who suffered discrimination, mistreatment, abuse, and neglect in residential schools - we are sorry,' Trudeau said.

Through tears Trudeau said: 'Saying that we are sorry today is not enough. It will not undo the harm that was done to you. It will not bring back the languages and traditions you lost. It will not take away the isolation and vulnerability you felt when you separated from your families, communities and cultures.'

Trudeau sits in the crowd before delivering an apology on behalf of the Government of Canada to former students on Friday

'While this long overdue apology will not undo the harm done, we offer it as a sign that we as a government and as a country accept responsibility for our failings.'

'The treatment of Indigenous children in residential schools is a dark and shameful chapter in our country's history,' he said in his address. 'For all of you — we are sincerely sorry.'

Last year the federal government settled a class action suit on behalf of the survivors paying out a $50million settlement last year from the Trudeau government to 1,000 students who attended residential schools.
Referencing the settlement, Trudeau said it would not have been possible without the courage of those who spoke out about their experiences at residential schools.

'Sadly, not all are here with us today, having passed away without being able to hear this apology,' he said. 'We honour their spirits, and we cherish their memories.'

'Canada has now accepted responsibility for all that we went through': Residential school survivor Toby Obed responded to the government's apology

Emotional day: Elders offer prayers before Trudeau apologized on behalf of the government