It is heart-wrenching to learn of the remains of 215 children found at the former Kamloops residential school. Yes, the Truth and Reconciliation report told us about these missing children but to hear about a mass grave of children in Canada, and to know there are likely more such graves, as yet undiscovered, is deeply disturbing.
Given that this residential school was a Catholic-run institution, it is important to turn to the statements released by the Kamloops Bishop and the Vancouver Archbishop. Bishop Nguyen of Kamloops joined his voice with others who are “heartbroken and horrified” and expressed his deepest sympathy to Chief Rosanne Casimir of the Tk’emlups te Secwépemc. He also offered assurance of personal support, prayers and accompaniment.” The statement from Archbishop Miller wrote about the “ongoing need to bring to light every tragic situation that occurred in residential schools run by the Church.”
Such statements matter. Still, the moment requires more.
St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, London, Ontario, May 31, 2021
It is not enough to see this tragedy simply as an event from the past. Catholics, in particular, are challenged to acknowledge how we, today, are connected to these deaths. How have we internalized the colonial assumptions and attitudes that have shaped our social, cultural, economic and political systems? Where have racist assumptions become rooted in our subconscious? What are we doing to de-colonize our minds and hearts?
Here’s one action that might move us forward as a Church. We, the Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada, commit to urging the local bishops in the dioceses in which we live and work, to join with all Canadian bishops to request that Pope Francis visit Canada and offer a formal apology to the Indigenous peoples of this land, as has been requested by many Indigenous groups. Will you join us?
For more information, please read the press release from the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc.
Sue Wilson, CSJ
Office for Systemic Justice
Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada
