Catholic Bishops apologize over residential schools

Catholic Bishops of Canada have “unequivocally” apologized to the Indigenous Peoples of Canada over residential schools.

After “months” of meetings and conversations with First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders and communities, the bishops issued the apology and expressed remorse in a statement Friday.

“We acknowledge the suffering experienced in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools,” they said in their statement.

“...We, the Catholic Bishops of Canada, express our profound remorse and apologize unequivocally.”

The group recognized the involvement of Catholic communities and dioceses in the 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 also acknowledged and apologized for the “historical and ongoing trauma and the legacy of suffering and challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples that continue to this day.”

In their statement, the bishops committed to providing the documentation and records to find and memorialize those buried in unmarked graves.

They also promised fundraising campaigns across Canada to address initiatives raised in consultation with Indigenous partners.

Previously, the church faced heavy criticism after refusing to provide all documents requested by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and raising less than one-sixth of the $25-million promised for reconciliation and healing as part of the 2007 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

The apology falls short of the TRC’s call for the Pope to personally apologize in Canada. However, the bishops said in December of 2021, a delegation including “Indigenous survivors, Elders/knowledge keepers, and youth” will meet with Pope Francis in Rome.

The bishops pledged to work with the Holy See and Indigenous Peoples “on the possibility of a pastoral visit by the Pope to Canada as part of this healing journey.”

Within Canada, the bishops asked Indigenous Peoples to help their dioceses in prioritizing “initiatives of healing.

Earlier this year, hundreds of unmarked graves were discovered at residential schools across Canada.

In their report, the TRC documented 3,201 buried bodies after limited reports — accounting for those discovered, the new number exceeds 4,000.