CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF CANADA APOLOGIZE TO THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF THIS LAND

The Catholic Bishops of Canada, gathered in Plenary last 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.  

Copies of the statement of apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada are located at the entrances of the Church or by visiting the Archdioceses website at:   

statement_from_cbc_to_indigenous-en.pdf (archtoronto.org)