The BC Assembly of First Nations has acknowledged the apology from Pope Francis to First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, calling it a first step.
Pope Francis apologized to First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples in Canada for the Catholic Church's role in Indian Residential Schools, and the intergenerational traumas caused by atrocities committed to our children.
A delegation of First Nations from BC, and across Canada met last week to witness the statement from Pope Francis.
“This apology was long overdue, and we acknowledge it as a first step. We will continue to support our survivors to heal, and further the reparations needed from the Catholic Church”, said Regional Chief Terry Teegee.
“In B.C., we had 18 Indian Residential Schools, as well as day schools, the majority of which were run by the Catholic Church under contract by the government of Canada. This apology also needs to go further – the Pope’s claim that only some church members were responsible for these crimes continues to sidestep the role the entire institution played in committing this horrific abuse.”
Last May, the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Nation announced the discovery of 215 gravesites near Kamloops that were found using ground-penetrating radar. It was Canada’s largest Indigenous residential school and the discovery of the graves was the first of numerous, similar grim sites across the country.
Even before the grave sites were discovered, Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission specifically called for a papal apology to be delivered on Canadian soil for the church’s role in the abuses.
Anglican, Presbyterian, and United churches have all apologized for their actions in running these schools. This is the first time the Pope has done so.
In addition, as part of a settlement of a lawsuit involving the Canadian government, churches and the approximately 90,000 surviving students, Canada paid reparations that amounted to billions of dollars being transferred to Indigenous communities.
The Catholic Church, for its part, has paid over $50 million and now intends to add $30 million more over the next five years.
BCAFN says the Catholic Church in Canada still has not met its full financial obligations from the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement; instead, spending the money meant for victims on lawyers and administration fees.
“We expect to see the Pope in Canada very soon, at which time we will discuss further the restitution required by First Nations survivors” said Teegee.
The Pope has said he hopes to visit Canada in late July to deliver the apology in person to survivors.
“We are also calling on the Catholic Church to renounce the Papal Bulls of the Doctrine of Discovery, including the concept of Terra Nullius,” continued Teegee.
“These concepts have been used to justify the dispossession of Indigenous lands throughout the world and are at the root of countless colonial crimes. They need to be renounced and introduced with new decrees that acknowledge First Nations rights and title.”
The BC Assembly of First Nations board member Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir of Tk’emlups te Secwepemc and youth representative Taylor Behn-Tsakoza were both part of this historic mission to the Vatican.
"We are deeply grateful to each of the Indigenous delegates who travelled with us to the Holy See to share their experiences and desires for a brighter future for their people," said Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) President, the Most Rev. Raymond Poisson in a statement.
"The Holy Father has heard first-hand the stories of those who suffered at the hands of Catholic Church members, and has responded with compassion, remorse, and a genuine desire for truth, justice, and healing."
The CCCB said it has taken several steps to support a hopeful future, including the $30 million pledge towards reconciliation initiatives and a commitment to ensure residential school documents are made available to survivors.
"As Catholics, we believe in the restorative power of apologies. But acknowledging wrongdoing is only one step of the healing journey. We all have a role to play in healing the wound that was opened up through a history of colonialism and must be deeply committed to this responsibility," said CCCB Vice President, the Most Rev. William McGrattan.
"As we prepare for the Holy Father's eventual pilgrimage to Canada, the relationships forged this week and the lessons learned from Indigenous delegates will continue to guide and inspire us."
Nearly three-quarters of Canada’s 130 residential schools were run by Catholic missionary congregations.
The Residential School Survivors and Family crisis line at 1-800-721-0066 is available 24 hours for anyone experiencing pain or distress.
- with files from the Canadian Press
