RCMP apologize for saying Indigenous children were "sent away" to residential school

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have apologized for a tweet saying Indigenous children were “sent away” to residential school.

The tweet was sent on September 30 or Orange Shirt Day, a day recognizing the atrocities committed against Indigenous people at residential schools.

Today, RCMP employees are wearing orange to honour and remember the Indigenous children who were sent away to Residential Schools. Take this day to reflect on the past, recognize our role, and start the conversation. #reconciliation #OrangeShirtDay pic.twitter.com/P9GxcLkphw

— RCMP (@rcmpgrcpolice) September 30, 2020

Mounties said children were “sent away,” when in reality they were often forcibly taken from their homes, in many instances by RCMP officers.

Several people criticized the force on Twitter Thursday for failing to acknowledge that in their Orange Shirt Day tweet.

You spelled “abducted” wrong. https://t.co/F7r7MAu2Jo

— drex ⚡ (@drex) October 1, 2020

just gonna leave these here in case you want to reflect on your role a bit more pic.twitter.com/s6C4IiNVjT

— Fred Langlois (@Fred_Langlois_) October 1, 2020

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A day after the original tweet was sent, the RCMP issued an apology.

“Words matter,” it said. “This #OrangeShirtDay tweet used language that lessens the tragedy of Indigenous children removed, sometimes forcibly, from their families and communities. They were taken, not ‘sent away’. We regret the language used and the hurt this has caused.”

Words matter. This #OrangeShirtDay tweet used language that lessens the tragedy of Indigenous children removed, sometimes forcibly, from their families and communities. They were taken, not “sent away.” We regret the language used and the hurt this has caused.

— RCMP (@rcmpgrcpolice) October 1, 2020