SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The Tree of Peace Friendship Centre was the site of much emotion Wednesday as the federal government issued its official apology for native residential schools.

Charlie Tobac, residential school survivor, leads a traditional prayer on Wednesday at the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre. People gathered at the centre to hear the apology from the federal government for residential schools. - Cara Loverock/ NNSL Photo

The centre was packed with people who came to watch the broadcast from Ottawa as Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke on behalf of the Canadian Government.

Harper's historic apology noted the past belief held by the government that aboriginal culture was inferior. The residential schools, "have caused great harm and has no place in our country," he said. Tissues were passed around the room as Harper and other government leaders spoke about the past horrors and subsequent shame and trauma that haunts some aboriginal people.

Those in attendance at the Tree of Peace sat quietly, some sobbing, through more than an hour of speeches from Ottawa.

After the broadcast, a survivor of residential schools, Charlie Tobac, performed a traditional prayer and spoke to the crowd.

"This day is a special day," said Tobac. He recalled the shame he felt after living in a residential school and the hardships he faced afterwards.

"We needed support, but we had to live with it alone for a long time," he said.

Reaction from those that attended was decidedly positive.

"I'm grateful this government have admitted that they made a mistake," said James Jenka, who attended a residential school in Alberta for five years. "These are just words. It's the actions that come that are most important as far as reconciliation."

"I was happy to hear the apology. It's been something I've been waiting for for a long time," said another former residential school student, Doreen Cleary.

Shirley Bonnetrouge, adult educator for the Tree of Peace, said she wished her mother, a residential school survivor, had been alive to hear the apology.

"What a statement to believe this day has finally come," she said.

Bonnetrouge spoke about the shame she felt as an aboriginal growing up in southern Canada and how the apology could be a step toward healing.

"Maybe we can put that pain behind us," she said.

Bill Enge, president of the North Slave Metis Alliance, said he felt the government was sincere in the apology.

"I am of the view that the government of Canada, through Stephen Harper, made a heartfelt and sincere apology," Enge said, adding the opposition leaders also seemed genuine in their words.

"It's important that the government back up its words with actions," said Enge.

Premier Floyd Roland, in a statement released Wednesday, described the apology as a necessary step on the healing journey of those who have suffered.