My reflection on the Papal apology
This historic day is about the resilience of Indigenous people and healing from the lasting effects of colonialism.
Today, I was in the presence of Pope Francis as he apologized on behalf of the Catholic Church for the lasting effects that colonization and residential schools had on Indigenous people, their families, and communities.
We gathered in Maskwacis, where Ermineskin Indian Residential School once stood, with survivors, descendants of survivors, Indigenous leaders, and community members from across Canada to listen to this address as one. Despite the pain that these communities are experiencing and the old wounds that this visit has opened, Indigenous peoples from across Canada today showed up to drum, to sing, to dance, to speak, to cry, to hold space for one another, to represent their cultures to the fullest, and to remind us that they are still here and always will be. I bore witness to the resilience of Indigenous peoples firsthand today, and this is an experience that I will never forget.
We cannot have reconciliation without truth, and I hope that hearing Pope Francis acknowledge the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples for generations with historic accuracy will help Indigenous peoples heal and find closure in time. I am glad that the 58th call to action of the The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was fulfilled, but this is not my apology to accept. Now is the time to listen to and learn from the Indigenous peoples of Canada, and to hold space for their diverse responses to this apology.
Reconciliation is a lifelong journey for all of us. We can never forget the tragedies that have occurred across Turtle Island for generations. We must recognize how intergenerational trauma impacts Indigenous peoples today by advocating for affordable and supportive housing, harm reduction and by recommitting to the TRC Calls to Action, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls to Justice, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recommendations. I am hopeful that the Pope will deliver on the actions he promised to these communities throughout his lifetime, in the spirit of reconciliation.
For Indigenous Peoples in need of support during this difficult and emotional time, please reach out to Bent Arrow, who is offering free mental health and healing supports to all. Today was a needed first step towards walking together in the spirit of reconciliation, but we still have a long way to go. Thank you to the people of Maskwacis for hosting me today. I will do everything I can to advance reconciliation here in amiswaciwaskihikan and beyond throughout my time as Edmonton’s Mayor. Hiy hiy.
