By CHAT News Today (with files from Global Regina)

Radio advertisement calling effects of residential schools myths causes controversy on Prairies

Sep 25, 2018 | 12:11 PM

REGINA, SASK. — A radio advertisement that played in parts of the Prairies has caused controversy after calling the effects of residential schools as myths.

According to Katelyn Wilson with Global Regina, The ad begins with a voiceover from Rod Currie, a former broadcaster in Saskatchewan, asking “Are Canadians being told the whole truth about residential schools?”

It goes on to call the claims residential schools did not rob children indigenous children of their childhoods, and did not lead to intergenerational trauma “myths.” It also says there’s no evidence abuse suffered by a grandparent in residential schools had any affect on the academic success on future generations.

The ad was purchased by the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, a Canadian think tank based in Winnipeg, and aired on several radio stations on September 13. It was brought to attention by a blogger in Saskatchewan.

Currie currently works as a volunteer with CJNU, a radio station in Winnipeg. The station released a statement apologizing for any “implied connection with the commentary issued by the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.” The station adds Currie performs voice over duties for the FCPP as a freelancer, and says they understand the words in the piece are those of the FCPP, not Currie.

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“We do not endorse the material,” the statement reads, noting CJNU did not air the piece in question, has no plans to do so, and has no relationship with the organization.