Listen Live
Listen Live
Listen Live

BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief hopes Pope Francis issues apology in Canada

(With files by Brendan Pawliw-MyPGNow)

“It’s a very positive first step”

That’s from BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee after Pope Francis apologized for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system earlier today (Friday).

As for what’s next, Teegee is encouraged to see more leadership being shown by Ottawa.

“The next step is to put more resources towards this healing journey. I think the Prime Minister coming to Williams Lake also offering more resources in the search for the children that didn’t make it home from these residential schools is a good sign.”

Teegee is now hoping Pope Francis can issue an apology on Canadian soil during his visit.

“Further to that is getting an apology here that many Indigenous and the residential school survivors and inter-generational survivors are seeking.”

“I think further to this, the Pope coming to Canada and at different residential school sites perhaps is the next step in terms of offering an apology for the Catholic church’s involvement.”

In his statement, the Pope said “I want to say to you with all my heart, I am very sorry.”

In the late 1800’s residential schools were set up by the Canadian government and most were run by the Catholic Church.

The intent was to remove Indigenous children from their families and replace their culture with Christian beliefs.

Attendance at the schools was mandatory.

Over the years thousands of children were abused and at least four thousand deaths have been recorded, but records are incomplete and missing.

In recent months, thousands of unmarked graves have been found at the sites of the former schools.

The last residential school closed in 1997.

– with files from Vista Radio newswire

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

‘Roos game to still go on despite afternoon fire at West Fraser Centre

A fire in the West Fraser Centre on Saturday afternoon almost caused the Quesnel Kangaroos' season opener against the Williams Lake Stampeders to be canceled. Crews were able to get on site and begin clean up in time, assuring that the game will go on.

Active wildfires update for the Cariboo Fire Centre

As of yesterday (Friday) there are currently 22 active wildfires within the Cariboo Fire Centre.

Infrastructure, housing, UNDRIP will top agenda as local governments meet in Victoria next week

Members of local governments and First Nations are gathering in Victoria next week for the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention.

B.C. Conservatives support federal bill to classify intimate partner killings as first-degree murder

B.C. politicians are voicing support for a federal Conservative bill that would classify the killing of an intimate partner as first-degree murder. 

Truck fire the cause of grassland fire near 100 Mile House ice rink

A truck caught fire on Wrangler Way in 100 Mile House, that spread onto the nearby grass, creating a wildland fire. 100 Mile House Fire Department was able to contain the blaze quickly, and report no one was injured.
- Advertisement -