Papal apology met with mixed emotions throughout Saskatchewan

Pope Francis’ apology in Alberta this week is being met with mixed reaction throughout the Indigenous community.

Cowessess First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme applauded the Pope for apologizing on Canadian soil, but says some are left feeling more had to be said.

“The Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action No. 58 is what was done this week. It specifically calls for the Pope to issue an apology, but it was specifically for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in the spiritual, emotional, cultural, physical and sexual abuse of First Nation, Inuit and Metis children in Catholic-run residential schools,” Delorme told Gormley on Wednesday.

“The Pope didn’t say that specifically. He more asked for forgiveness in particular for the ways in which many members of the church and religious community (operated together),” Delorme added. “The intent was there, but I’m listening to survivors and they’re seeking something more direct.”

Delorme mentioned he and other Indigenous people watched the Pope’s apology on TV together.

Regardless of how the apology was read, Delorme says it should be used as an opportunity to continue the work of reconciliation, education and healing.

“One thing we’ve got to understand is what did we learn about the truth of Indigenous people? The unmarked graves, the things that we’ve learned in the last two years, (shows) this is validation — validation of the pain, frustration, anger and tiredness of trying to remain Indigenous in a country that is still somewhat oppressed to my Canadian,” Delorme said.

“Today, our millennials and Gen Z are bombarded with the truth. Some of the prior generations challenge the truth, and it throws off our younger generation who are getting the truth,” he added. “In conclusion, truth must prevail in this province. Reconciliation must truly happen and we will all benefit from reconciliation.”