Pope’s apology echoes in Saskatchewan | Globalnews.ca

While the words were spoken far from a province, Pope Francis’ historical Residential school Strong echo in the apology made on Canadian soil Saskatchewan Also Monday.

In Regina, dozens of veterans, residential school survivors and their loved ones gathered for a community viewing of the events of the Maskwasis First Nation in Alberta.

“Hearing that apology, yes, it came up a lot. I cried for our elders and our kokums and mosquitoes,” said event organizer and co-Amy Phyllis Littleante, a Cree woman, grandmother and grandfather of Kawakatose First Nation is talking about.

Explaining the significance of that moment, Littleant talks about his late Kokum, a survivor at a residential school.

“She passed away a few years ago but this is something I remember saying: ‘One day I hope to see it’. She was not here as a physical being, but she was here as a spirit was in, and so it has been a long time coming,” she said, adding that many of those watching share similar stories.

4:49‘I am deeply sorry’: Pope Francis apologizes to Indigenous leaders, residential school survivors during historic Canada visit

“We are hoping that today they can recover and be free from it. To have a chance to regain their sense of identity, their sense of love, their sense of respect, and especially their self-worth. .

The littlest, who gathered at the Mamavyatitan center on Monday for next steps for the community, asked for time and grace as the survivors and their families recovered.

“Walking with us, you know, accepting us and loving us – that’s basically what we need,” she said. “That’s how the producers intended it. Let’s go together.”

On entering for darshan, small bags of sage were presented to the attendees.

Littletent explained that the bundles were picked up and put together by the children.

“That is what should have happened back in the day. We should have taught those traditions and culture to our children,” she said.

“What came together today is something we all need and has a very positive outcome.”

The viewing was followed by a traditional dance and song of honor and a feast.

Meanwhile, in Saskatoon, the head of the Sovereign Indigenous Nations, Bobby Cameron, welcomed the apology but said more reconciliation remains to be done.

“Of course we accept the apology. It’s part of the healing journey,” Cameron said. “Although the later action items are far more important than the Pope’s apology.”

Cameron outlined a number of actions he sees as potential next steps for the Catholic Church as well as local governments.

These include support for the construction of healing and wellness centers at the sites of 22 residential and day schools in Saskatchewan, returning any relevant artifacts or historical documents that are still in the possession of the Catholic Church, and A broad refutation of the theory of discovery.

“The action going forward is very important for many people, to complete that healing journey,” Cameron said.

The Indian Residential School Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419) is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience.