Residential school survivors call for Papal apology as MPs debate
Posted April 26, 2018 1:32 pm.
Last Updated April 26, 2018 1:34 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA, ON. (NEWS 1130) – It was an emotional day in the House of Commons as MPs took part in a heated debate that stemmed from a motion which would invite the Pope to apologize for the Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system.
Residential school survivors, like Angela Shisheesh, shed tears as they stood in the foyer of the House of Commons calling on the Pope to say sorry.
“Holy Father the Pope, please listen — listen to us. So many of them never made it home and there are so many people that have been abused sexually.”
Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum says it’s important for all Indigenous peoples that the head of the church apologize for its role. “That contributed to the cultural genocide of our Indigenous people.”
The NDP’s Charlie Angus put forward the motion and says it’s time the head of the Catholic Church does the right thing.
“What was done in the name of Canada and done in the name of the church was a crime of international proportions and we have to atone for it.”
Both the NDP and the Liberals support the motion, while some Conservatives oppose it.
A papal apology was among the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has said the Pope could not personally do so, although they will work with Indigenous peoples towards reconciliation.
A vote on the motion will take place next week.
