The Harper apology in 2008, as well as the TRC’s subsequent conclusions, revealed in 2015, provided sufficient opportunity for Canadians to reflect on their broken relationship with the Aboriginals. After years of discrimination at the residential schools, the Canadian government was set to compensate the affected individuals and document the complete historical accounts of the schools.
Therefore the Harper apology was essential in rebuilding the relationship between Aboriginal people and the government through the realization of the gross ills committed against them and the desire for change. After the apology, there was a better understanding of the Aboriginals and their needs.