Bishops, First Nations chief meet to discuss healing, reconciliation

Published: 2008-07-17

OTTAWA (CNS) -- Healing and reconciliation formed the agenda for a meeting of Catholic bishops with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine in Quebec City July 16. "I recognize that thousands of Catholic men and women religious worked during the Indian residential schools era in what they sincerely believed to be in the best interest of Indian residential school students," Fontaine said in a written statement. "However, it is important for these religious entities to both openly acknowledge their role in Indian residential schools and to hear directly from First Nations regarding their experiences." Joining Fontaine were Archbishop Pierre-Andre Fournier of Rimouski, Quebec; Archbishop Gerard Pettipas of Grouard-McLennan, Alberta, president of the 50 Catholic entities involved in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement; Bishop Eugene Tremblay of Amos, Quebec; and Bishop Martin Veillette of Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. Fontaine said he viewed the Catholic entities as allies in the healing process for residential school survivors and their families. "The close cooperation of all stakeholders is crucial to the success of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission," he said.

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