Pope Benedict XVI expressed sorrow on Wednesday to Canada’s Aboriginal peoples for “anguish” suffered under the country’s residential schools program.
In a communiqué from the Vatican press office, the Pope “offered his sympathy and prayerful solidarity” and emphasized that “acts of abuse cannot be tolerated in society.”
The expression of sorrow followed a 20-minute meeting with two-dozen Aboriginal leaders, residential-school survivors and church leaders from across Canada, including Phil Fontaine, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations and Ed John, grand chief of B.C.’s First Nations Summit.
Former Vancouver Canuck Gino Odjick – an Algonquin from Maniwaki, Que. – was also part of the delegation.
In an interview with CBC News, Fontaine said he was pleased with what he’d heard.
“We never thought for a moment that we would be here to be received by the Holy Father to talk about an experience that has caused so much pain and suffering for so many.”
More than 100,000 people attended federal residential schools that were run by the Catholic, Anglican and United churches. The children were removed from their families and were made to suppress their language and culture. Some also suffered physical and sexual abuse.
The United and Anglican churches have previously apologized for residential schools. Prime Minister Stephen Harper also formally apologized in June.
Stewart Phillip, grand chief of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, said the Pope’s statement is “incredibly historic” for Aboriginal people, especially in B.C. where majority of the country’s 130 residential schools were located.
“I look forward to the day where we commit all our energy to healing and reconciliation. In order that we may move beyond the dark shadow of the residential school experience.”
