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Papal Visit to Canada, One Year Later

A video, Papal Visit to Canada, One Year Later, has been produced by the Archdiocese of Edmonton with reflections from Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, Archbishop Anthony Wieslaw Krotki, Archbishop Richard Smith, and Maskwacis Chief Victor Buffalo. The video highlights Pope Francis’ visit as a significant step on the road to healing and reconciliation, noting that the work and commitment will continue. It demonstrates that the Holy Father’s visit also made not only the idea, but the reality of reconciliation possible.

 Walking Together: Into One Beat - A new documentary from Salt + Light on Pope Francis' penitential pilgrimage to Canada
In July 2022, Pope Francis visited Indigenous communities, celebrated Mass in Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium and at the National Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and, most importantly, apologized for the Church’s role in the country’s Residential School System. Walking Together: Into One Beat features interviews with members of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Alberta, Quebec, and Nunavut, who share their heartfelt stories as they prepare for the Holy Father’s arrival. After the visit, they offer their reactions, impressions, and hopes for this country of many nations moving forward, as one, on the journey of reconciliation. Watch it here.

4 Seasons of Reconciliation

This is a unique 3-hour online course that promotes a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians through transformative learning about truth and reconciliation. This workplace course provides the basic foundation on the relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). 

 

A request for forgiveness for attitudes incompatible with the Gospel

By Andrea Tornielli

It was the first appointment of the trip: The heart of his message, and the reasons that brought him all the way here, were contained in the first words spoken by Pope Francis on Canadian soil, despite his ongoing walking problems.

After praying silently in the cemetery of the indigenous peoples of Maskwacis, in the Church of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, the Pope spoke in the Bear Park Pow-Wow Grounds, before a delegation of indigenous leaders from all over the country.

"I am here," he said, "because the first step of my penitential pilgrimage among you is that of again asking forgiveness, of telling you once more that I am deeply sorry. Sorry for the ways in which, regrettably, many Christians supported the colonizing mentality of the powers that oppressed the indigenous peoples. I am sorry. I ask forgiveness, in particular, for the ways in which many members of the Church and of religious communities cooperated, not least through their indifference, in projects of cultural destruction and forced assimilation promoted by the governments of that time, which culminated in the system of residential schools.”

These were schools established and financed by the government, but many of them were run by Christian churches. Thousands of children, torn from their families, suffered 'physical and verbal, psychological and spiritual abuse' in them. Many found death due to poor hygiene and disease.

There is an unequivocal judgement in the words of the Bishop of Rome, welcomed by the indigenous peoples who waited so long for him: "What the Christian faith tells us is that this was a devastating error, incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.'

Even at the time of colonialism, as well as later, when the colonial mindset continued to influence policies and attitudes of which residential schools were an example, it was possible to understand what the Gospel way was. Even at that time, despite historical and cultural conditioning, it was possible to discern, to understand that the traditions of the indigenous people were to be welcomed, not annihilated; that the faith was to be proposed within the different indigenous cultures and not imposed by destroying them.

The violence for which Christians have been responsible throughout the centuries has already been judged by the testimony of Jesus, who taught love not hate, and remained helpless on the cross as an innocent victim, sharing the pain of all the victims of history.

Even at the time when cultural destruction and assimilation were committed, a different attitude was possible: just think of the ancient examples of evangelisation that respected the indigenous cultures, witnessed by the 'reducciones' in Paraguay or the attitude of Father Matteo Ricci in China.

Read full article

 

Pope says he is 'deeply sorry' to Indigenous Peoples in Canada

 The words sorry, shame, pain and indignation resounded strongly in Pope Francis’s first public speech of his penitential pilgrimage to Canada. Addressing some 2,000  residential school survivors, Chiefs, leaders, elders, knowledge keepers and youth from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in Maskwacis Park ("Bear hills", in the Cree language) on Monday, the Pope reiterated his deep sense of “pain and remorse” for the suffering inflicted on the Indigenous peoples of Canada, and specifically for the violence of forced assimilation endured in the residential school system.

He said he has come to their native lands to tell them, in person, of his “sorrow”, “to implore God’s forgiveness, healing and reconciliation”, to express his closeness, and to pray with and for them.

The need to remember

Pope Francis went on stress the importance of remembering this dark past of disruption and destruction of ancestral cultures. However painful, he said, to remember the “devastating experiences” that took place in the residential schools is necessary, because “forgetfulness leads to indifference”, and also in light of the lasting impact of that system on Indigenous communities up until today.

A disastrous error, incompatible with the Gospel

While thanking the Indigenous peoples of Canada for sharing these bitter memories with him, Pope Francis said he is “deeply sorry” for “the ways in which, regrettably, many Christians supported the colonizing mentality of the powers that oppressed the indigenous peoples”. “With shame and unambiguously” he again implored forgiveness “for the ways in which many members of the Church and of religious communities cooperated in projects of cultural destruction and forced assimilation”.

“Although Christian charity was not absent, and there were many outstanding instances of devotion and care for children, the Pope emphasized that “the overall effects of the policies linked to the residential schools were catastrophic”, remarking that the system was a “disastrous error, incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.

Begging pardon is only a first step

However, Pope Francis acknowledged that begging for pardon is not sufficient and is only a first step towards healing He said a further step needs to be taken “to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening”.

An important part of this process, “will be to conduct a serious investigation into the facts that took place in the past and to assist the survivors of the residential schools” as they heal from the traumas they suffered.

Commitment to persevere in the path of healing

The Pope further expressed hope that Christians and civil society in Canada  “grow in the ability to accept and respect the identity and the experience of the indigenous peoples”, while reiterating the Catholic Church’s commitment on this issue.

“We are speaking of processes that must penetrate hearts. My presence here and the commitment of the Canadian Bishops are a testimony to our will to persevere on this path.”

Pope Francis specified that, though he was not able to accept the many invitations received to visit other parts of Canada, his words throughout this penitential journey “are meant for every indigenous community and person”.

Pope Francis kissing a banner with names of victims of abuse committed at residential schools

Chief Wilton Littlechild’s address

At the beginning of the meeting, Pope Francis was greeted by Cree Chief Wilton Littlechild, who, on behalf of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, expressed deep appreciation for “the great personal effort” he has made to meet Indigenous peoples in their homeland. Usow-Kihew (“Golden Eagle”) as he is known in his Cree community, is a former student of the local Ermineskin Indian Residential School and has been a Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which in 2015 published a report into the history and legacy of Canada's residential school system.

In his address he warmly welcomed Pope Francis’ joining the Indigenous peoples of Canada in their journey of healing and reconciliation, and said the words he spoke after meeting the Indigenous delegations in Rome and listening to their stories, were “a source of deep comfort and great encouragement”.

The Pope wearing feather headdress donated by the people

Source

More resources

 

Fr. Christino answers questions

Check out these new conversations with Fr. Cristino Bouvette an Indigenous Priest in our Diocese.

  • Catholic Conscience spoke with Fr Cristino Bouvette from our Diocese and Maria Lucas, a Black-Métis lawyer, about matters of reconciliation. Listen as they discuss about injustices that are in need of repair, what healing looks like, striving for genuine vs false compassion, & sifting fact from exaggeration and falsehood. Watch now (approx 2 hours)

Calgary churchgoers attend Sunday services and reflect on the Pope's apology

Churches from all denominations hosted services Sunday, Apr. 3, 2022 as both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Calgarians reflected on this week's historic papal apology to Canadian residential school victims and survivors. Dolly Castillo, who attends St. Francis of Assisi Church, said the Pope’s apology sends the message that the Catholic church must be a place of welcoming for everyone moving forward Read more...
 

Indigenous delegation to Rome

April 1 interview with Phil Fontaine former AFN national chief

A delegation of 32 Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth are meeting with Pope Francis this week (March 28 to April 1). Watch the media briefing and videos below.

A delegation of 32 Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth are meeting with Pope Francis this week (March 28 to April 1). Watch the media briefing and videos below.

  • Media briefing | Meeting between Pope Francis & delegates from the Métis National Council. 
  • Media briefing | Meeting between Pope Francis and delegates from the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. 
  • Media briefing | Meeting between the Pope and delegates from the Assembly of First Nations. 
  • Final Audience between Pope Francis and all the Indigenous delegates. (Papal apology and commitment to come to Canada)
  • Media briefing with all Indigenous partners and the CCCB following the final audience with Pope Francis held on April 1, 7:30 am MT. (above)

Read / Watch

Indigenous delegates ready to tell their story to Pope Francis

Angie Crerar is a Métis knowledge keeper and elder, from Grande Prairie. Angie has been a volunteer for more than 50 years:

  • she has been a board member of the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre.
  • She is president of the Metis Local 1990.
  • She started an Elders Caring Shelter, the first of its kind in the country.

She is a survivor of residential school.

Angie will be among the delegates traveling to Vatican City on Mar 28 to meet with His Holiness Pope Francis as part of national healing and reconciliation efforts.

Watch the interview with Angie Crerar by Archdiocese of Edmonton

Gary Gagnon is a Métis from St. Albert (Metis Settlement). Gary will be among the delegates traveling to Vatican City to meet with His Holiness Pope Francis.

In a few short weeks, Indigenous delegates from across Canada are scheduled to meet with Pope Francis in Rome as part of the ongoing journey toward healing and reconciliation. 

The meetings, beginning March 28, are an opportunity for Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth to share their experiences and thoughts with the Holy Father. The First Nations, Metis, and Inuit delegates will meet with Pope Francis over five days, ending with a final audience including all participants on April 1. 

Three delegates from Alberta will be participating in the meetings: Gary Gagnon and Angelina (Angie) Crerar, are representing the Métis Nation. Gagnon is a vice-president of the Metis Nation of Alberta and a cultural facilitator with the Indigenous Learning Services Program at Edmonton Catholic Schools. Crerar is an elder, community activist in Grande Prairie and residential school survivor.

The Archdiocese of Edmonton has posted an interview with Metis delegate Gary Gagnon. It’s the first of four interviews – the three Alberta delegates, as well as an interview with Fr. Cristino Bouvette of our Diocese. Watch video: https://youtu.be/IRawq7xCEzk

Pope Francis greets Bishop William Terrence McGrattan of Calgary, Alberta, vice president of the Canadian bishops’ conference, during a meeting with the leadership of the conference at the Vatican Dec. 9, 2021. The leadership of the Canadian conference said a delegation of Indigenous people plan to visit the pope next spring and hope the pope can visit Canada after that. (Credit: CNS photo/Vatican Media.)

Source: Crux

February 15, 2022 Letter from Bishop McGrattan

"As the Bishop of Calgary, I encourage you to participate in our work as a diocese towards reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters firstly through solidarity in prayer, through involvement in initiatives that promote justice and healing, through friendships with Indigenous Peoples on a personal level, and through financial donations made to Together in Action...

"the Diocese of Calgary is committed to raising $600,000 each year for the next five years through the annual diocesan campaign, Together in Action. The total amount of $3 million will be designated to support indigenous-led initiatives in the Diocese."

Together as the Diocese, we unite our efforts in working with the Indigenous Peoples in the pursuit of truth, justice, healing, and reconciliation.

each year in the next five years will go to support local / regional healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors, their families, and their communities.

  The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund will contribute to the following priorities:

  • Healing and reconciliation for communities and families;
  • Culture and language revitalization;
  • Education and community building; and
  • Dialogues for promoting indigenous spirituality and culture.

 

"In addition, I am committed to allocating $500,000 this year to support our Canadian northern mission dioceses in the healing and reconciliation initiatives within their own Indigenous communities. This will bring the total financial contribution of the Diocese to $3.5 million over the period of five years."

Read the full Pastoral Letter from Bishop William T. McGrattan.

Indigenous Delegation rescheduled

Canadian Bishops, Assembly of First Nations, Métis National Council, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Announce Rescheduled Dates for Rome Delegation (Feb 1)

The Canadian Catholic Bishops, Assembly of First Nations, Métis National Council, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami are pleased to announce that the delegation to Rome to meet with Pope Francis, originally planned for December 2021, is now scheduled to take place at the end of March and early April of this year. Read more

Indigenous Reconciliation Fund

Canada’s Catholic Bishops have agreed to establish a new registered charity to support and advance healing and reconciliation initiatives. The charity is expected to manage the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, which will accept contributions from 73 dioceses across Canada in order to fulfill the $30 million financial commitment made by Canada’s Bishops in September. Read more

Update on Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement 

The CCCB has worked over the past several months to clarify important issues related to the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (“IRSSA”) and the commitments made by Catholic Entities Party to the Indian Residential School Settlement (“CCEPIRSS”). Read summarized settlement obligations here

Residential school survivors, Indigenous elders , knowledge keepers and youth to meet with Pope Francis

The Catholic Bishops of Canada are pleased to announce that 25-30 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth will meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican from December 17-20, 2021, accompanied by a small group of Canadian Bishops.

The delegation has been planned through ongoing dialogue with the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and other Indigenous leaders. While specific travel plans and itineraries are being coordinated with the delegates directly, representatives from the Vatican have confirmed that the Holy Father will participate in private meetings with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis delegates respectively to hear their personal stories of the lasting legacy of residential schools. Delegates will also have the opportunity to speak with the Holy Father about their hopes and expectations for his eventual pilgrimage to Canada.

Pope Francis' visit to Canada

The Catholic Bishops of Canada are grateful that Pope Francis has accepted their invitation to visit Canada on a pilgrimage of healing and reconciliation. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has invited the Holy Father to make an apostolic journey to Canada, also in the context of the long-standing pastoral process of reconciliation with indigenous peoples. His Holiness has indicated his willingness to visit the country on a date to be settled in due course. The Holy Father’s full statement on the matter can be found here.

In anticipation of this visit, the planned delegation of Indigenous survivors, Elders, knowledge keepers and youth will travel to the Holy See, where they will have the opportunity to speak to Pope Francis about the timing, focus, and themes in preparation for his future pilgrimage to Canada.

“The Bishops of Canada have been engaged in meaningful discussions with Indigenous Peoples, especially those affected by Residential Schools who have shared stories about the suffering and challenges that they continue to experience,” said CCCB President, the Most Rev. Raymond Poisson. “We pray that Pope Francis’ visit to Canada will be a significant milestone in the journey toward reconciliation and healing.”

The Canadian Bishops recently pledged to work with the Holy See and Indigenous partners on the possibility of a pastoral visit to Canada by the Pope. Following this pledge and informed by three years of ongoing dialogue between the Canadian Bishops, the Holy See, and Indigenous Peoples, the President and former-President of the CCCB met in Rome with the Secretary of State of the Holy See to discuss next steps on the reconciliation journey earlier this month and in preparation for the delegation.

This delegation to the Holy See will take place from December 17-20, 2021, and is being planned in close collaboration with National Indigenous Organizations and other partners.

“We will invite the delegation of Indigenous survivors, Elders, knowledge keepers, and youth who will meet with Pope Francis to open their hearts to the Holy Father and share both their suffering as well as their hopes and desires for his eventual visit to Canada,” added Bishop Poisson.

Additional details about Pope Francis’ pilgrimage to Canada, as well as the Rome delegation will be announced by the CCCB as details are confirmed.

Canadian Bishops announce $30 million National Financial

Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous peoples.

 The Catholic Bishops of Canada, gathered in Plenary this week, took the opportunity to affirm and acknowledge to the Indigenous Peoples the suffering experienced in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools. Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system, which led to the suppression of Indigenous languages, culture and spirituality, failing to respect the rich history, traditions and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples. They acknowledged the grave abuses that were committed by some members of our Catholic community; physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and sexual. They also sorrowfully acknowledged the historical and ongoing trauma and the legacy of suffering and challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples that continue to this day.  Along with those Catholic entities which were directly involved in the operation of the schools and which have already offered their own heartfelt apologies, the Catholic Bishops of Canada expressed their profound remorse and apologized unequivocally.

Together with the many pastoral initiatives already underway in dioceses across the country, the Bishops pledged to undertake fundraising in each region of the country to support initiatives discerned locally with Indigenous partners. Furthermore, they invited the Indigenous Peoples to journey with us into a new era of reconciliation, helping us to prioritize initiatives of healing, to listen to the experience of Indigenous Peoples, especially to the survivors of Indian Residential Schools, and to educate our clergy, consecrated men and women, and lay faithful, on Indigenous cultures and spirituality. They further committed to continue the work of providing documentation or records that will assist in the memorialization of those buried in unmarked graves.

A delegation of Indigenous survivors, Elders/knowledge keepers, and youth will meet with the Holy Father in December 2021. Pope Francis will encounter and listen to the Indigenous Peoples, so as to discern how he can support our common desire to renew relationships and walk together along the path of hope in the coming years. The Bishops of Canada have pledged to work with the Holy See and our Indigenous partners on the possibility of a pastoral visit by the Pope to Canada as part of this healing journey. We are committed to continue the journey with the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples of this land. 

Digging for the truth about Canada's Residential School graves 

The resources below are now shared on the Diocesan website (frontpage):

In this special three-part series, C2C Journal writer Hymie Rubenstein sorts through the heated claims and allegations and sets forth what is actually known about the unmarked graves at Canada’s former Indian Residential Schools.

  • When disturbing evidence is unearthed that points to malfeasance by individuals, organizations or entire countries, it is understandable that feelings would run high among the aggrieved parties. But are unrestrained emotionalism, exaggeration and wild accusation the proper responses for politicians, experts, commentators and the population at large? How does this help a nation get at the truth, pursue justice or settle accounts – let alone move the parties along the path of forgiveness and reconciliation? Read Part One
  • The reported discovery of unmarked graves at former Indian Residential Schools confirmed what many Canadians thought they already knew about this now-discredited system. But how much of this foundational knowledge is actually true? Did “all” Indigenous children attend residential schools? Were they forced to go? Was this done over the objections of their parents and chiefs? How did the buried students die? And what, in turn, was the system’s real purpose? In Part Two of this special three-part series, Hymie Rubenstein digs deep into the historical record in the search for answers to these difficult questions. Read Part Two

Webinar series on Residential Schools

The Archdiocese of Edmonton hosted a webinar series on the history of residential schools, the TRC, and the long road towards healing and Reconciliation. The video is presented by Archbishop Richard Smith of the Edmonton Archdiocese, as well as Metis Deacon John Brown, Archbishop of Toronto Cardinal Thomas Collins, as well as Neil McCarthy, Director of Communications for the Toronto Archdiocese.

Siksika Nation Chief and Council meet with Bishop McGrattan


Press release: Siksika Nation Chief and Council meet with Bishop McGrattan. "Siksika Nation Chief and Council invited Bishop William McGrattan and Delegation from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary to meet on August 9, 2021 at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park to establish ways to rectify the relationship between Siksika Nation and the Catholic Church who have a long-standing history together that includes Indian Residential Schools (IRS) as well as a devoted following comprised of Siksika Nation members." Read full Siksika Nation press release

Friday, August 20, 2021 Statement from the Executive Committee of the CCCB regarding the Corporation for the Catholic Entities Party to the Indian Residential School Settlement

 
Questions and Answers Statements
Learn about Residential Schools

Truth and Reconciliation

​A brief guide about Treaty & Alberta Treaty Map (Alberta Teachers Association)

Let us join in prayer: 

For the children who died in the former Kamloops Indian Residential School and for all those impacted by this tragedy, that there may be healing founded on truth and that the Spirit will inspire our ongoing commitment to reconciliation. Amen.​​

 There were 25 residential schools in the Province of Alberta.  See: Residential Schools in Canada Map. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary did not run any residential schools, although four were located within the boundaries of the Diocese:

Crisis line for Indian Residential School survivors and family: 1-866-925-4419
Source: Diocese of Calgary


The CCCB website page on residential schools and TRC notes that approximately 16 out of 70 Catholic dioceses in Canada were associated with the former Indian Residential Schools, in addition to about three dozen Catholic religious communities. 

Pope Benedict XVI invited members of a Canadian delegation, composed of representatives of Indigenous communities and of Catholic dioceses and religious communities in Canada, for a private meeting following his morning General Audience on April 29, 2009, to discuss their experiences with the Indian Residential Schools. During the meeting the Pope listened to the stories of the representatives and expressed his regret for the suffering that many Indigenous people had undergone within Indian Residential Schools. Source.

Read about

Many have asked what they can do.

Delegation to the Holy See

The Catholic Bishops in Canada have genuinely heard the sincere invitation to engage wholeheartedly with the past and are deeply committed to take truly meaningful active steps together with Indigenous Peoples in view of a future filled with greater respect and cooperation. The recent discovery of children’s remains in a burial site at a former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia reminds us of a tragic legacy still felt today. With the strong encouragement of Pope Francis, the Bishops of Canada have pledged true and deep commitment to renewing and strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples across the land.

In recent years, regional and diocesan listening circles have taken place across the country in order to hear the stories from local Indigenous communities and their hopes for the future. Mutual listening is the beginning of our common efforts to bring about shared and long-lasting reconciliation, authentic healing and bridge building.

In conversation with Indigenous people and communities, both at the local and national levels, and bilaterally with the First Nations, Métis and Inuit national organizations, the Bishops, sponsors of this project, have been preparing, for over two years now, a delegation of Indigenous people to meet with the Holy Father to foster meaningful encounters of dialogue and healing. This pastoral visit will include the participation of a diverse group of Elders / Knowledge Keepers, residential school survivors and youth from across the country. The event will likewise provide Pope Francis with a unique opportunity to hear directly from Indigenous Peoples, express his heartfelt closeness, address the impact of colonization and the implication of the Church in the residential schools, so as to respond to the suffering of Indigenous Peoples and the ongoing effects of intergenerational trauma.

The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has stalled this project; however, the Bishops remain committed to moving forward with the delegation prior to the end of 2021, in compliance with international travel guidelines.

The delegation to the Holy See represents an important step on the journey of reconciliation and shared healing for Indigenous Peoples and the Church in Canada. Pope Francis, in his 6 June 2021 Angelus message, spoke about the shocking discovery of children’s remains at the former Kamloops residential school and, while conveying sorrow and solidarity, emphasized the importance of “walking side by side in dialogue and in mutual respect in the recognition of the rights and cultural values of all the sons and daughters of Canada”. It is our hope that these forthcoming encounters – and the important collaboration and partnership that has supported the planning – will lead to a shared future of peace and harmony between Indigenous Peoples and the Catholic Church in Canada.

Download Statement in PDF
Source: Diocese of Calgary

Date of delegation to the Holy See

Following the 10 June 2021 announcement regarding the delegation of Indigenous people to meet with the Holy Father to foster meaningful encounters of dialogue and healing, the Catholic Bishops of Canada are pleased to announce that the delegation is scheduled to take place from 17‑20 December 2021 in compliance with global travel restrictions.

Pope Francis is deeply committed to hearing directly from Indigenous Peoples, expressing his heartfelt closeness, addressing the impact of colonization and the role of the Church in the residential school system, in the hopes of responding to the suffering of Indigenous Peoples and the ongoing effects of intergenerational trauma. The Bishops of Canada are deeply appreciative of the Holy Father’s spirit of openness in generously extending an invitation for personal encounters with each of the three distinct groups of delegates – First Nations, Métis and Inuit – as well as a final audience with all delegates together on 20 December 2021.

This pastoral visit will include the participation of a diverse group of Elders/Knowledge Keepers, residential school survivors and youth from across the country, accompanied by a small group of Bishops and Indigenous leaders. Planning for the delegation is ongoing and further details will be announced when they are available.

The Bishops of Canada reaffirm their sincere hope that these forthcoming encounters will lead to a shared future of peace and harmony between Indigenous Peoples and the Catholic Church in Canada. 

29 June 2021
Download statement in PDF

Father Cristino Bouvette says "It filled me with some dread to even ask her this question, but on a visit to the farm once, I delicately broached the topic with her as we peeled potatoes: “Kokum, based on your experience of residential school..." Read more at https://www.convivium.ca/articles/reality-in-truth-and-reconciliation. 


Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, by Canada, Plaintiffs, Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Representatives, Anglican Church, Presbyterian Church, United Church of Canada, and Roman Catholic Entities (May 8, 2006) with Schedule N mandating the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Source

Phil Fontaine’s Statement to the Pope on Residential Schools Apology (April 29, 2009)

CBC explains "Why retrieving former residential school records has proved so difficult"

Fr. Cristino Bouvette's shares the story on Global News of his kokum (grandmother) who survived a residential school and how he is using her legacy to work on reconciliation between the Catholic Church and Canada’s Indigenous community. Watch on Global News 

Where are the children buried? (A report from Dr. Scott Hamilton, available also on National Centre forTruth and Reconciliation) 

Some resources have been added to the frontpage of the Calgary Diocese website:

Balancing the biased “Genocide” Story About Residential Schools

 

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The Diocese of Calgary is committed to providing a monetary contribution to a forthcoming local/regional financial appeal. This expresses the commitment of the Diocese to the ongoing work of justice and healing in our country with the Indigenous Peoples and their communities. Download statement in PDF

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