Listen Live
Listen Live
Listen Live

Trudeau says Papal apology is about residential school survivors, calls delegation to Vatican “brave and determined”

WARNING: The following story contains details some readers may find disturbing.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged Friday’s apology from Pope Francis for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system.

Trudeau said the day is about survivors, “Today is about the Survivors, their families, and those who never came home. This week, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders, Survivors, and youth travelled to the Vatican to continue urging the Catholic Church for an apology, which was an immense display of bravery and determination. This apology would not have happened without the Survivors who told their truths directly to one of the institutions responsible, and recounted and relived their painful memories.”

He said the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis have waited decades for the apology and for the Pope to “recognize the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse their children endured while attending these residential schools.”

“Today’s apology will resurface strong emotions of hurt and trauma for many. The government will continue to support Indigenous communities across the country with the funding and resources they need to continue to search for unmarked burial sites, uncover the truth of what happened at residential schools, and continue on their healing journey,” he said.

He has also called on the Pope to travel to Canada to apologize to fulfill the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #58.

In his remarks Friday morning Pope Francis did commit to coming to Canada although no date was set.

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her Residential school experience or for those affected by these reports.  The 24-hour crisis line is available at 1-866-925-4419.

Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Continue Reading

ckbx Now playing play

cffm Now playing play

ckcq Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Williams Lake Community Forest opens 2026 project applications

Grant Applications for the Williams Lake Community Forest are now available for 2026 projects until 4 pm on Nov. 4.

100 Mile District General’s ER closed all day

Interior Health is cautioning residents in 100 Mile House and the surrounding area that the Emergency Room services will be unavailable today from 6 am until 7 pm on October 11.

[Content Warning] Two in hospital following car crash in South Quesnel

A car crash on Highway 97 in South Quesnel sees two people sent to the hospital with major injuries.

Unemployment on the rise in the Cariboo region

The year over year unemployment rate in the Cariboo was up substantially last month.

Canada Post to resume limited service as CUPW shifts to rotating strikes Oct. 11

Canada Post says it will begin restarting mail operations this weekend as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers shifts from a national walkout to rotating strikes.
- Advertisement -