For immediate release
April 1, 2022
Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is acknowledging the apology provided to First Nation, Inuit, and Metis delegates from Pope Francis earlier today at the Vatican.
Grand Chief Garrison Settee states:
Grand Chief Garrison Settee at a memorial for residential school students who were buried in unmarked graves
“MKO continues to remember the Survivors of the residential school system as well as the children who passed away while attending these schools. For nearly one year, the eyes of the international community have been on Indigenous people as awareness grows about the dark and extremely painful legacy of the residential school system across Canada.
First Nations citizens continue to grapple with the uncovering of unmarked graves at schools across the country, including right here in Manitoba. Work is ongoing on this issue.
An apology from the Pope in response to the role the Catholic Church had in the residential school system has been a day that many Survivors have been waiting for. This is a historical, overwhelming, and even surprising event.
Our hearts are with the delegates who travelled to Rome to make presentations on behalf of First Nations citizens in Manitoba. We thank you for carrying out this difficult work and our prayers are with you.
Receiving an apology from Pope Francis is nothing short of miraculous. This apology opens the door for many people to truly begin the process of real healing.
In addition to the apology, it is essential we see action as we move forward on our shared path of healing. Now begins the journey of genuine reconciliation. This work will not be easy. I ask all Canadians to stand in solidarity with us as we move forward on our healing journey.”
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For more information:
Melanie Ferris, MKO Communications
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]
