CCCB Response to the Residential Schools Issue

From Richard Gagnon Archbishop of Winnipeg and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops: The Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) supports the Bishops of Saskatchewan as they announce a new province-wide Appeal for Support of Healing and Reconciliation with a particular focus on three funding priorities: healing and reconciliation, cemeteries on the sites of former residential schools, and education and cultural support. You can visit the following website for information and ongoing updates on the Saskatchewan appeal and the funds collected: https://dscf.ca/catholic-trc-healing-response 

 The Bishops of Canada are profoundly saddened by the Residential Schools' legacy. We are committed to working with Indigenous Peoples and communities towards a greater understanding of the priorities of healing and reconciliation and how to address them together.  

Bishops from many dioceses across the country have indicated to the CCCB their readiness to discern possible local and/or regional fundraising initiatives. The details of the particular fundraising efforts will be made known locally following further consultations.  

The work of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is of fundamental importance to our local and national Catholic communities and to all of us as Canadians. By renewing our commitment to work together with them, the Church in Canada pledges solidarity with the Indigenous communities of this land.  

We lift up our prayers to the Lord for the support and healing of Residential School survivors, their communities, and intergenerational wounds still present. We will provide updates on these important initiatives as this work progresses into the early Fall.