Catholic
groups welcome start of Truth and Reconciliation process
By Deborah Gyapong
Canadian Catholic News
OTTAWA (CCN) — Not all the stories about Indian Residential Schools
(IRS) are bad.
A group representing the Catholic religious orders and dioceses that
were involved in the IRS system hope some of the positive and bright
threads in an otherwise bleak tapestry will get a chance to be told
as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission launched its first national
event in Winnipeg June 16-19.
Catholic groups involved in running Indian Residential Schools say they
look forward to participating in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s
(TRC) seven national events.
Grouard-McLennan Archbishop Gerard Pettipas, who chairs the Corporation
of Catholic Entities Party to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement
(CCEPIRSS), announced June 15 he would be attending all four days of
the TRC’s Winnipeg event. CCEPIRSS board members and members of
Catholic religious orders that ran schools will join him.
In a statement, Pettipas said the CCEPIRSS “is committed to supporting
the work of the commission and applauds the launch of the national events
as part of an inclusive process to collect the stories of all people
who were involved in Canada’s IRS system.”
“We expect many of these stories will deal with difficult issues
from this dark chapter in our country’s history,” the archbishop
said. “However, we believe former IRS students and staff may also
have more positive accounts to relate.”
“These national events are crucial milestones on the road to healing
and reconciliation for Canada’s Aboriginal people and all Canadians,
and we are confident the Commission will make every effort to ensure
that all perspectives will be heard,” he said.
Pettipas noted the long and close relationship Roman Catholic organizations
have had with Aboriginal Canadians. “We are proud to continue
this association to this day as we work together to ensure a healthier
and more respectful future for Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples.”
Created in 2006, the CCEPIRSS represents 54 Catholic dioceses and religious
congregations who fall under the IRS settlement agreement.
“We are holding the national event to listen to survivors and
all those affected by residential schools,” said Justice Murray
Sinclair, TRC chair in a statement. “However, we want to reach
out to the larger community as well, to provide opportunities for healing
and greater awareness.
“By sharing these experiences will we truly understand them, and
in the process, help future generations move forward with respect,”
he said.
The TRC Winnipeg event offers an option of making a private, confidential
statement. Others may opt to have their history recorded on video or
audio. Support services will be available for anyone who re-experiences
the trauma of their time in the schools.
“We encourage survivors, and those whose lives have been impacted
by the schools to come forward during the gathering, and to feel safe
opening up about their IRS experiences with the commission,” said
Sinclair. “Once these truths are known, they will form a part
of our country’s historical record.”
The official program began June 16 with the Lighting of the Sacred Fire
and Pipe Ceremony.
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