Although in Canada, the Court has not pointed directly to the Doctrine of Discovery as a legal justification for Crown Sovereignty, there has been a reference to decisions in the United States which rely on said decree. Issued by Pope Alexander, this decree provided explorers and others acting in the interest of the Church the authority to assume control of all non-Christian lands in the New World. These requests included the rescinding of key instruments of colonial policy and justification, beginning with the 1493 Papal Bull-Inter Caetera which is often referred to as the Doctrine of Discovery. Many scholars, activists and advocates have called for additional steps to be taken by Pope Francis in addition to the apology. While the parameters outlined by the TRC seem immense, social media and commentary across Indian country was clear that they are a bare minimum standard of expectation. We call for that apology to be similar to the 2010 apology issued to Irish victims of abuse and to occur within one year of the issuing of this Report and to be delivered by the Pope in Canada.” – Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015) (emphasis added).
“We call upon the Pope to issue an apology to Survivors, their families, and communities for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children in Catholic-run residential schools. 58 focused its gaze strictly upon the Church, his Holy Father and what should be expected in an apology.
Many of the actions called for changes in government policy, respect for traditional processes and the elevation of Indigenous beliefs. When the TRC’s Calls to Action were announced in 2015, much of the 94 recommendations focused on systemic issues born from the Residential School era, and the efforts required to make amends. Not only are survivors – those who have approached the events welcoming and others with irrelevance, but also intergenerational survivors – being affronted with the reminders of this visit.īuilding from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Papal apology appears as another fork in the road for Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations in Canada. Please contact the 24 Hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-86 if you require emotional support.Īs the much-anticipated Papal visit continues to unfold in Canada, shockwaves are being felt in every corner of Indian Country. The following information and material may trigger unpleasant feelings or thoughts relating to Residential Schools and the death of children. By Rob Houle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter