'I had to speak out': Indigenous woman explains why she sang to Pope Francis in Maskwacis
The woman who spontaneously sang in Cree to Pope Francis after his apology in Maskwacis on Monday says she did it for her family members affected by residential schools.
The unscripted singing came after the Pope was gifted a headdress that he wore on stage.
"It's just the healing my family needs. My brother…he was through residential schools," Si Pih Ko told CTV News in Lac Ste. Anne on Tuesday.
"It affected our family too much, I had to speak out."
Si Pih Ko cried during her delivery and was cheered by the crowd behind her when she finished singing.
- 'I can just feel the healing': Pope Francis apology received at Maskwacis, speaks at Sacred Heart Parish
- Everyone entitled to 'heal in their own way': Métis national council president on split reaction to papal apology
- 'Waters give life': Lac Ste. Anne Papal visit focuses on family, resilience, and 'journey of healing'
Pope Francis and chiefs looked on from the stage as Si Pih Ko sang and delivered a message for them.
"I was speaking the law of the land directly to him and the ones that were standing behind him," Si Pih Ko explained. "I noticed the corporate chiefs are behind him, and not behind me; that's what made me cry the most, because they were standing there strong with him."
She told CTV News Edmonton many people have since recognized and approached her.
"I couldn't take two steps without somebody thanking me for their healing. And I said, 'I'm on a healing journey as well.'"
Pope Francis left Edmonton for Quebec City on Wednesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau repeats ceasefire call but doesn't condemn Israel sending troops into Lebanon
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pleaded for peace in the Middle East Saturday, as he decried a civilian death toll he blamed on Hamas, Hezbollah and Israel.
Frequent drinking of fizzy beverages and fruit juice are linked to an increase risk of stroke: research
New data raises questions about the drinks people consume and the potential risks associated with them, according to researchers at Galway University in Ireland, in partnership with Hamilton’s McMaster University.
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard found not guilty of sexual assault
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
Trump is returning to the site of Pennsylvania assassination attempt for a rally with Vance and Musk
Former U.S. president Donald Trump plans to return Saturday to the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, setting aside what are now near-constant worries for his physical safety in order to fulfill a promise — 'really an obligation,' he said recently — to the people of Butler, Pa.
Police arrest Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides
Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'
America votes: How the election could impact the Canada-U.S. border
While America's southern border remains a hot button issue on the campaign trail, the result of the U.S. election in November could also impact the northern frontier with Canada, which remains the longest undefended border in the world.
Fluoride in drinking water poses enough risk to merit new EPA action, judge says
A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because high levels could pose a risk to the intellectual development of children.
Red Lobster is a mess. Here's why the new 35-year-old CEO wanted the job anyway
TikToks of customers stuffing their faces with a US$20 endless shrimp. More than 100 restaurant closures and thousands of layoffs. A revolving door of CEOs. Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Dubai's Emirates airline bans pagers, walkie-talkies after device attacks in Lebanon
Dubai's Emirates airline has banned pagers and walkie-talkies from its planes, following last month's attacks on such devices carried by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.