Residential school apology wanted from Pope Francis during Canada visit
Having the head of the Catholic Church, which played a fundamental role in Canada’s residential schools, on Canadian soil during any reconciliatory effort is a vital part of the work, says the executive director of an Indigenous cultural society.
Cheryl Whiskeyjack, of Edmonton’s Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, said she was happy to hear Tuesday Pope Francis was willing to visit Canada in the spirit of reconciliation.
“It was his church that perpetuated those horrors,” she told CTV News Edmonton, adding, “We still have people in this country today who deny that those things happened.”
She pointed to Canada’s former Indian affairs minister and prime minister Jean Chrétien claiming not to know any abuse was taking place in the residential school system.
“If the head of the church doesn’t admit and apologize, then people will continue to do these things.”
An itinerary or date for Pope Francis’ tour has not been released.
It’s expected to happen after a December meeting at the Vatican with First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders.
A papal apology was one of 94 recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015, and calls for one have only grown in the past year with the confirmation of unmarked graves at sites of former residential schools.
“I’d like to think he knows that that is what is going to be asked of him and I think the fact that he’s been willing to come to Canada to have those discussions speaks to his willingness to give that apology to Indigneous people in Canada,” Whiskeyjack speculated of the Pope’s plans.
“Having him on Canadian soil to give an apology would be absolutely ideal for our Indigneous people here in Canada.”
The Vatican said in a statement that the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops invited Francis to travel to Canada in the "context of the long-standing pastoral process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples."
The statement said the Pope indicated his "willingness" to do so at an undetermined date.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops said in a statement that there's been meaningful discussions with Indigenous people, especially those affected by residential schools.
"We pray that Pope Francis' visit to Canada will be a significant milestone in the journey toward reconciliation and healing," said the group's president, Most Rev. Raymond Poisson.
Whiskeyjack sees the developments as a step forward on the path toward reconciliation.
“Canada is waking up to this truth and is really alongside us for the first time, demanding some answers in this and demanding some reparations on these matters. And so it really is time for us to move forward and I think an act like this will help us go forward from there.”
If you are a former residential school student in distress, or have been affected by the residential school system and need help, you can contact the 24-hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
Additional mental-health support and resources for Indigenous people are available here.
With files from CTVNews.ca
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.