For over 100 years, the Catholic Church worked for the federal government as the largest operator of residential schools for indigenous people in Canada. These were government schools, but the Church agreed to participate in their administration and shares responsibility for their impact on indigenous people.
We are embarking on a journey of healing. As Pope Francis said on his penitential pilgrimage to Canada in 2022, “I’ve come to Canada as a pilgrim to walk with you and for the Indigenous Peoples so that progress may be made in the search for truth, in the processes of healing and reconciliation, and so that seeds of hope be sown for indigenous and non-indigenous people who want to live fraternally.” Canada’s Bishops, in their Letter to the People of God, remind us of the Pope’s call to firm action and an irreversible commitment to a new path with the Indigenous People of this land.
In 2021 Bishop Fabbro established a Truth and Reconciliation Committee to oversee our journey on this path. We have embarked on several initiatives including:
- Conversations with local indigenous communities · Supporting several educational opportunities including A Path to Solidarity so that we continue to recognize the gifts and knowledge of local indigenous communities.
- Collection and distribution of funds – we have raised $278,470.21 over the last 2 years and we have supported 12 projects so far. A list of these projects can be found in the Case for Support document on the Truth and Reconciliation page of the Diocesan website. Your contributions have been used to fund projects focusing on revitalizing language and culture, palliative care, mental health and wellness initiatives, overnight shelters, and creation of safe spaces for families.
We ask you to continue to help us support our indigenous brothers and sisters who share this land with us and make positive change for these communities. With your support of the Truth and Reconciliation Fund, we can continue to make a difference, and support indigenous communities to regain and rebuild their traditions and celebrate their heritage as they recover from the past.
The collection for this fund will occur on the weekend of September 27th and 28th at every Mass. Please give what you can, every little bit helps.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and continued support.