Truth & Reconciliation
National Day of Truth
and Reconciliation
September 30
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21
National Indigenous History Month
JUNE
An Evening of Learning & Dialogue – November 15, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Featuring Metis Scholar Dr. Suzanne M. Steele and a Fiddling performance
St. Ignatius Parish will be hosting an evening of learning & dialogue featuring Metis Scholar Dr. Suzanne M. Steele presenting on Li Keur – Riel’s Heart of the North, as part of the ongoing dialogue circles between St. Kateri Tekakwitha Indigenous Parish and St. Ignatius Parish. For more information or to register, contact Thomas Novak: 204-287-8583 or Carmela Castellano Sinclair at [email protected]
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ACTION, DIALOGUE, TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION: A Report of Canada’s Catholic Colleges and Universities – October 3, 2023
Following on the heels of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s “Calls to Action,” the institutional members of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities of Canada (ACCUC) released a report in 2017 titled Dialogue Together With Action: Canada’s Catholic Colleges and Universities & the Road to Reconciliation. The report was launched in Ottawa on October 24, 2017, and presented to the past Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Senator Murray Sinclair.
On October 3, 2023, ACCUC released Action, Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation: A Report of Canada’s Catholic Colleges and Universities as a follow-up to the 2017 report. As per the initial report, this latest report provides concrete examples of work being done across Canada to promote Truth and Reconciliation.
While much work has been accomplished, our Catholic colleges and universities still have a long way to go.
click: Action, Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation: A Report of Canada’s Catholic Colleges and Universities
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NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
September 30, 2023
This Saturday, September 30th marks the 3rd National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. With several events already taking place, we encourage parishioners to take time this week for prayer, reflection and education. We all share a responsibility to take meaningful steps with Indigenous people and communities on the path to true reconciliation. Below are just a few of many events being held throughout various communities to participate in and commemorate this important day.
Mass at St. Kateri Parish – October 1
Archbishop Gagnon will preside at 11:00 AM Mass at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 265 Flora Ave. There will be traditional Indigenous ceremonies as well.
Manitoba Museum: Orange Shirt Days – September 30 and October 1
Admission to the Manitoba Museum is free for Orange Shirt Days and programming includes a self-guided tour that highlights the exhibits and videos relevant to the history of Indian Residential Schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, including the Mackay Residential School Gathering Inc. pop-up art exhibit, daily performances by Beautiful Cloud Company Powwow Dancers, as well as special programming in the Planetarium and Auditorium. For more information, visit: https://manitobamuseum.ca/
Wa-Say Healing Centre: Annual Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow and Survivors Walk – September 30
The Survivors Walk begins at 11:00 AM at the Oodena Circle at the Forks and heads to the RBC Convention Centre. The grand entry of the Pow Wow begins at 1:00 PM. The event aims to recognize the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind, and honouring the survivors. For more information, visit: https://wa-say.com/event/orange-shirt-day-2023/
Children’s Museum: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30
The museum is offering free general admission for a journey of education and reflection with a Métis Paper Vest workshop facilitated by the Louis Riel Institute and programming provided by Elder Barb Nepinak. A teepee will be on display for special story times at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM and bannock will be served while supplies last. For more information, visit: https://childrensmuseum.com/event/national-day-for-truth-reconciliation-2023
WAG-Qaumajuq: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30
Join the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Quamajuq on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as they welcome the community to take part in tours, workshops, and talks that centre on the experiences and history of Indigenous children forced to attend Indian Residential Schools. For more inofmraiton, visit: https://www.wag.ca/event/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/
click: Truth and Reconciliation Week via the NCTR website
click: Visit the Winnipeg Archdiocese webpage for more events
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National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21, 2023
On June 21, we recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada.
click: Learn more and How you can Participate – Gov. of Canada website
JUNE – National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
click: Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre Inc.
click: Learn more and How you can Participate – Gov. of Canada website
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Reconciliation Gathering at The Leaf, Assiniboine Park – June 2, 2023
Beginning June 2nd at 9:00 a.m. to June 3rd until 4:00 p.m.
This gathering will bring together faith-based organizations, Christian leaders and Believers to explore pathways to Reconciliation and Right Relationship with Indigenous peoples. This two-day event will center Indigenous voices in examining the Doctrine of Discovery; Treaty Relationships; Indigenous perspectives on Covenant, Reciprocity, Allyship, and ReconciliACTION; how faith-based organizations can answer the 94 Calls to Action; as well as intersections of Christian servitude and allyship. Delegates will also be invited to join in prayer, worship and thoughtful reflection in how we answer the call to Reconciliation in our own lives.
Admission is FREE.
Notice of Filming and Photography
When you attend this event, you will likely encounter an area of the event where photography, audio, and video recording will occur. By entering the event premises, it is understood that you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction.
click: eventbrite webpage to reserve a spot
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The Story of Rooster Town: Part of an On-Going Dialogue Between St. Kateri Indigenous Parish and St. Ignatius Parish – May 2, 2023
This dialogue is significant to many as Rooster Town was a Métis settlement that existed from the 1880-1961; at the edge of the city, south of the Assiniboine River and west of Pembina Hwy. In 1961, the city bulldozed the houses of its last residents in order to build Grant Park Shopping Centre. St Ignatius Parish is situated in that region and our school educated some of their children.
This event will take place at St. Ignatius Parish on May 2, 2023 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Our guest presenter is Dr. Laura Forsythe, Faculty of Education at the U of W, and a Michif descendent of Rooster Town families. To register, contact Carmela Castellano Sinclair at 204-453-9243, or Thomas Novak at 204-287-8583.
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Archdiocese of Winnipeg
Solidarity Fund for Truth, Healing and Reconciliation – Now Accepting Applications
In a pastoral letter on November 23, 2021, the Most Reverend Archbishop Gagnon announced the establishment in our Archdiocese of the Solidarity Fund for Truth, Healing and Reconciliation. This is an initiative of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg to establish a fund to assist with programs designed for healing and reconciliation among residential school survivors and their families.
In early 2022, the Canadian Catholic Bishops established the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. This fund was established in response to the commitment to raise $30 million toward healing and reconciliation and to ensure the highest standards of transparency and good governance. It is overseen by a Board of Directors consisting of Indigenous leaders. The Fund is compromised of the contributions pledged and collected by the Dioceses of Canada.
In the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, once a detailed request is made, the request is reviewed by a committee of local Indigenous elders. If approved, the request is forwarded to the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, where the Board also reviews the request.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund is a registered charity, and recipients of monies from the Fund must also be registered charities.
click: Visit the Winnipeg Archdiocese Webpage for more Information
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Vatican formally rejects the Doctrine of Discovery that allowed colonial-era seizure of Indigenous lands – March 30, 2023
“The Vatican met one of the long-standing demands of First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups in Canada by repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery and the associated papal decrees that had been used to legitimize the colonial-era seizure of Indigenous lands…”
click: See the Full Article on the Globe and Mail website
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Land Acknowledgement unveiled for Manitoba Catholic Schools – February 22, 2023
Last Friday, Manitoba Catholic Schools celebrated their annual “Catholic Schools Day” at St. Paul’s High School. The day consisted of fellowship and professional development for our educators and staff, focusing on Truth and Reconciliation.
Fr. Vijay of St. Kateri Indigenous Church said Mass in the morning. In the photo below, you’ll see the Land Acknowledgement created for our Catholic Schools.
The Manitoba Catholic Schools Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee commissioned Rosalyn Boucha of Rose and Bee Design to create the artwork to accompany the MCS’s land acknowledgment to be hung in each of our schools. It symbolizes our continued journey of Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
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Listening to Indigenous Voices – February 16, 2023
Ministry of Indigenous/non-Indigenous Dialogue
– Listening to Indigenous Voices is a program that was developed by the Jesuit Forum for Social Justice, as a means of educating non-Indigenous Canadians about the realities faced by First Nations and Métis people in the land we call Canada. Resources in the form of a booklet and video presentations are provided. Both the booklet and the videos consist entirely of the words of Indigenous peoples. They cover themes such as the relationship to the land, the history of Indigenous/non-Indigenous relations, the treaties, etc. The program consists of eight 2-hour sessions, each session being primarily a time for sharing among the participants. To date, two parishes (St Charles and St Paul the Apostle) have hosted the program.
LTIV is currently being held at St Paul the Apostle (2400 Portage Ave) beginning on Thursday, February 16, at 7:00 pm, in the basement hall (enter via the back parking lot). Everyone is invited to join in. The cost of the program is $20, which is the cost of the booklet. For more information, contact Patti Fitzmaurice at [email protected] or Thomas Novak at [email protected].
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“That We May Walk Together” – Pastoral Letter from the CCCB
Ottawa, ON – “On 8 February 2023, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following four pastoral letters on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Intended as a framework for local engagement with Indigenous Peoples, the letters are the fruit of many months of listening, encounter, and dialogue with them, including through Listening Circles, the Indigenous Delegation to the Vatican in April 2022, and Pope Francis’ Apostolic Voyage to Canada in July of the same year.”
click: View the Four Pastoral Letters via the CCCB webpage
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- Mass at St. Kateri Parish – September 30, 2022
On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Archbishop Richard Gagnon will say mass at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish at 11:00 am. There will be drumming beforehand at 10:00 am and a lunch to follow Mass. More details to follow.
- Meditation for Truth, Reconciliation and Justice – September 30, 2022
Please join the Archdiocese of St. Boniface from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the ruins at St. Boniface Cathedral for a time of reflection, connection, and call to action in community. An opportunity to open your heart on this day of Truth and Reconciliation. In case of rain, this activity will take place in the A/V Room in the Cathedral basement.
There will be a 30-minute contemplative practice following the tradition of centering prayer, followed by a time of sharing as a group. You are welcome to engage in another silent contemplative practice of your choice at the same time, if you prefer.
Lead by Andrew Terhoch, Spiritual Health Practitioner, and Jennifer Kilimnik, Director of Culture and Compassion, as an offering of Réseau Compassion Network in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation.
- Orange Shirt Day: Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada – September 30, 2022
Join Long Plain First Nation at the Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada on September 30, 2022, for a day of walking together in healing. A Reconciliation Walk will begin at 9:30 am at City Hall to honour the journey of survivors and remember those who didn’t make it home. A Round Dance and Pow-Wow Dancers will take place afterwards. Lunch and snacks will be provided. For more information, please contact Lorraine Daniels at 204-239-6464 or Patsy Myran at 204-390-5344.
- Honouring Our Learning Path Towards Truth and Reconciliation
Ahead of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, join Reconciliation Education in an important conversation with Dene Elder & Survivor Margaret Reynolds (Saskatchewan) with celebrated Anishnaabe film actor, hip hop artist and activist for reconciliation, Samian (Québec). Both are featured in the online course, 4 Seasons of Reconciliation. Click here to register for FREE.
- Truth and Reconciliation Day at Aulneau Renewal Centre
Join us on September 30th from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm for Truth and Reconciliation Day. There will be free activities during the afternoon for families to participate in and learn more about Truth and Reconciliation. Activities Include: Viewing and discussion of We Were Children (Ages 16+), crafts, ribbon tying and light refreshments.
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Children’s Museum
This is an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools – the impacts of which are still being felt in communities across Canada. As a member of the City of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord, the Children’s Museum stands with Indigenous communities and wishes to honour Survivors and the children who never made it home. Join us with FREE (first come, first served) general admission on a journey of education and reflection with Louis Riel Institute for a Métis Moccasin workshop and Métis Paper Vest workshop on September 30 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Guests of all ages are encouraged to wear an orange shirt to help raise awareness of the impacts of residential schools and in remembrance – every child matters.
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Winnipeg Art Gallery
In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, WAG-Qaumajuq in partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will be hosting a day of special programming.
Join us for a NCTR 1-hour national broadcast, followed by a book launch of with Dr. Sean Carleton, and take part in a public discussion on what you need to know about the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools.
For updates to these and other related events, visit: Archdiocese of Winnipeg webpage
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‘A Penitential Pilgrimage’ – Pope Francis in Canada
Coverage of the Papal Visit to Canada by Salt and Light Media
Videos, Articles, Itinerary and Resources
click: Salt and Light webpage
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Vatican Confirms Papal Visit to Canada Program: July 24 – 29, 2022. A Visit of Healing, Hope & Reconciliation
The Vatican has released additional details regarding the Papal Visit to Canada, July 24-29, 2022. The Pope’s visit will provide an opportunity for him to listen and dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, to express his heartfelt closeness and to address the impact of residential schools in Canada. The papal visit will also provide an opportunity for the shepherd of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics to connect with the Catholic community in Canada.
The Holy Father will travel within Alberta (based in Edmonton) from July 24-27, followed by a visit to Quebec City and Ste. Anne-de-Beaupré, July 27-29. Pope Francis will visit Iqaluit, Nunavut the afternoon of July 29 before returning to Rome.
Drawing on the theme, “Walking Together”, the Holy Father’s journey of reconciliation, healing and hope includes visits to a former residential school, Indigenous pilgrimage sites, two public Masses and a mix of private and public events. There will be tickets available (free) for a limited number of events, all of which will be broadcast and accessible via livestream.
For ticket information, to volunteer or learn more, visit www.papalvisit.ca (English) or www.visitepapale.ca (French). Please continue to pray for the health of Pope Francis and for all those engaged in the ongoing healing and reconciliation journey.
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National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21, 2022
Tuesday, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. As we walk together in the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that this day, in the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, we gather on Treaty One, Two, Four and Five land and the homeland of the Métis Nation. We respect these treaties, we acknowledge harms and mistakes, and we dedicate ourselves to moving foward in partnership with First Nation, Métis and Inuit people in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
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Truth & Reconcilation Resolutions
Church apologies and reconciliation
58. 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.
59. We call upon church parties to the settlement agreement to develop ongoing education strategies to ensure that their respective congregations learn about their church’s role in colonization, the history and legacy of residential schools, and why apologies to former residential school students, their families, and communities were necessary.
60. We call upon leaders of the church parties to the settlement agreement and all other faiths, in collaboration with Indigenous spiritual leaders, survivors, schools of theology, seminaries, and other religious training centres, to develop and teach curriculum for all student clergy, and all clergy and staff who work in Aboriginal communities, on the need to respect Indigenous spirituality in its own right, the history and legacy of residential schools and the roles of the church parties in that system, the history and legacy of religious conflict in Aboriginal families and communities, and the responsibility that churches have to mitigate such conflicts and prevent spiritual violence.
61. We call upon church parties to the settlement agreement, in collaboration with survivors and representatives of Aboriginal organizations, to establish permanent funding to Aboriginal people for:
- Community-controlled healing and reconciliation projects.
- Community-controlled culture and language revitalization projects.
- Community-controlled education and relationship-building projects.
- Regional dialogues for Indigenous spiritual leaders and youth to discuss Indigenous spirituality, self-determination, and reconciliation.
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click: An update from Archbishop Richard Gagnon regarding the Papal Visit to Canada
click: Archdiocese of Winnipeg Truth & Reconciliation webpage
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Indigenous Peoples Meeting with Pope Francis
On Friday, April 1st, the historic visit of the Indigenous peoples of Canada to the Vatican was brought to completion with a powerful conclusion.
Gathered together, the Holy Father addressed all three delegations representing the Métis, Inuit and First Nations peoples. His summation of his visits with each delegation indicates a Pope who has listened and heard, and who has set the Church on the path to genuine Truth and Reconciliation.
click: Watch a video of CBC News’ coverage of the meeting
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Our parish Truth and Reconciliation committee recommends the following resources:
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act
A good resource to learn more about the history of our indigenous people and their relationship with Canada. Understanding the Indian Act itself is a good way to begin to recognize the basis for so many lingering issues.
Indigenous Canada
A free online course through the University of Alberta. This 12-lesson study explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of indigenous peoples living in Canada.
click: Learn more or Register for the course
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click: Children Memorialized in Living Waters Columbarium
click: Statement from Archbishop Gagnon on the Kamloops Residential Schools
click: Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Statement – Delegation to the Holy See
click: Archbishop Gagnon confirms Pope to receive Indigenous delegation
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Pastoral Letter to Parishioners from Fr. Darrin
June 25, 2021
Dear Parishioners,
There is no doubt that the most recent findings of the unmarked graves at two Residential Schools in western Canada have become a great cause for sadness, anger and shame as it so closely touches our Catholic history.
Even though we know that the sins of the parents do not pass on to the children, this legacy affecting our mission and ministry has marked our integrity and ability to continue to preach a gospel of hope, of life and of justice for all.
As a priest who has given over 30 years in ministry, I find it very difficult to comprehend these most recent discoveries as well as continue to minister under the dark cloud of the overall clergy sexual abuse crisis that has prevailed for simply too long. It has been extremely trying to continue to present a church still filled with more goodness than bad, more hope than despair, more holiness than sin.
I know as faithful parishioners that you too have carried and continue to carry similar burdens as you strive to remain committed to the church, pass on your faith to your children and grandchildren, and keep your head held high as Catholics in the world today.
More than ever, how easy and justifiable is it for all of us to “throw in the towel”, to revoke our membership and association with the church.
As we continue to work through these most difficult days and confront yet again the sinful saga of our church, compounded with our isolation from one another due to the pandemic, we must ask ourselves what is it that God is asking of us?
I still believe that God is working in our church and that God is walking with us through these days of darkness and despair. I believe that God needs each and every one of us to be more committed than ever to walk the walk of suffering, pain and reconciliation, not only for ourselves and this present generation, but also for generations to come. If we do not stay steadfast to do the hard work in building a new church from the inside out, then we will miss the important role that Christ is calling us to as his disciples at this time in history.
I firmly believe that a new church is on the horizon. One that may be healed from the sins of its past, however, will also have its own struggles and sins to contend with.
A church that will continue to know the paschal mystery of Christ’s own life, death and resurrection. I believe that there will be future disciples like us, who will also be tasked with the same responsibility to bridge the gap that will mark their own world experience.
My dear parishioners, today I write you this brief message in the hope that it will bind us together even more with a spirit of urgency to create a community that will bring hope, peace, truth and reconciliation. May we continue to be committed to “transforming the world by unconditional love and sacrifice”.
In Christ,
Fr. Darrin
