When society makes a mistake, the Canadian approach is to apologize and compensate.  For many misdeeds, depending on the magnitude of the deed, nothing can fix it (that is no amount of compensation).

Whether it be rape of children by priests, wrongful murder of the innocent by authorities or incarceration because of race (e.g., the Japanese during the secod world war) restitution does not right the wrong.

These terrible crimes should never have occured in the first place.

Recognition

Admitting a societies mistake, ackowledging and apologizing definitely helps those impacted and their inheritors more than financial or other fiscal restitution.

Basically, I’d rather be right than rich.  Agreement and apology is all I need.  The past cannot be renewed, the china can never be repaired fully, the cracks always exist.

To rebuild anew and put the past to bed, that is closure, requires clear communication including aknowledgement of the wrong and a committment not to repeat.

Expecting future generations to compensate groups for past wrongs committed by their forebearers does not change the past.  Mostly it causes pleasure to the compensated and disgust to the innocent forced to pay for others sins.

Truth and Reconciliation

Canada is currently moving to restore friendly relations with the countries indigenous people (i.e., reconciliation).  The approach is for all parties to acknowledge past misdeeds, create a platform to prevent reoccurence and move on.

What a great approach, my sincere hope is that this does not become bogged down in discussions and actions directed to fiscal compensation for past wrongs or attacks on the weong doers (e.g., J.A. MacDonald).