MEDIA RELEASE - NDP statement on Papal apology to First Nations, Métis and Inuit delegation

Canada's New Democrats are glad to see Pope Francis issue this apology to the First Nations, Métis and Inuit delegates.
Today's apology comes from years of advocacy from Indigenous people and is a necessary step for the Catholic Church to make on its reconciliation journey.
We are hopeful that the Church will continue on this journey and that Pope Francis’ visit to Canada will continue this work. His apology to all First Nations, Métis and Inuit while visiting with Survivors in Canada will be important.
In addition to issuing a formal apology to survivors, their families, and communities, the Pope should work with survivors and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to ensure all documents related to Indian Residential Schools in possession by the Catholic Church are released. Pope Francis should also use the powers of the Church to ensure that the perpetrators of abuse, including Johannes Rivoire, are held accountable for the crimes they are alleged to have committed.

April 1st, 2022

NDP statement on Papal apology to First Nations, Métis and Inuit delegation

The Leader of Canada's NDP, Jagmeet Singh, made the following statement:

“Canada's New Democrats are glad to see Pope Francis issue this apology to the First Nations, Métis and Inuit delegates.

Today's apology comes from years of advocacy from Indigenous people and is a necessary step for the Catholic Church to make on its reconciliation journey.

We are hopeful that the Church will continue on this journey and that Pope Francis’ visit to Canada will continue this work. His apology to all First Nations, Métis and Inuit while visiting with Survivors in Canada will be important.

In addition to issuing a formal apology to survivors, their families, and communities, the Pope should work with survivors and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to ensure all documents related to Indian Residential Schools in possession by the Catholic Church are released. Pope Francis should also use the powers of the Church to ensure that the perpetrators of abuse, including Johannes Rivoire, are held accountable for the crimes they are alleged to have committed.

The children forced to attend residential schools, their families and their communities are owed an apology and the full cooperation of the Catholic Church into investigations that will bring those who participated in the violence against Indigenous peoples to justice.

New Democrats continue to stand in solidarity with the First Nations, Métis and Inuit delegation who shared their experience with the Pope and with communities who continue to live through the impacts and legacy of the institutions of genocide that were Canada’s Indian Residential Schools.”

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their Residential School Experience. The crisis line can be reached at 1-800-721-0066.

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