The Archdiocese has clergy serving the parishes of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Maskwacis, Our Lady of Mercy in Enoch, and Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton; as well as their mission churches located on the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and the Paul Band Nation, and involved community members.

Among the events that are promoted with the communities are the feast days of St. Kateri Tekakwitha and Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the annual Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage, considered sacred for generations and widely known as a place of healing.

• Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage
• Indigenous Pastoral Leadership Program

Education and creating awareness about traditional teachings and their harmony with Catholicism are also part of this ministry.

Edmonton Catholic Schools Braided Journeys: Braided Journeys Student Support Centres are committed to assisting student success by cultivating a caring, welcoming, and positive place where Indigenous students see themselves, their contributions, and their culture represented, respected, and celebrated. Each centre offers support, encouragement, and guidance throughout a student’s educational journey.

VIDEO: What is Reconciliation? – Fr. Cristino Bouvette

We sat down with Fr. Cristino Bouvette of the Catholic Diocese of Calgary a couple months ago to talk about how we define reconciliation, and to learn from his uniquely knowledgeable perspective as a indigenous Roman Catholic priest.

Father Christino also speaks in an interview with CJAD radio in Montreal. In this eight-minute segment Father Cristino shares how he reconciles his indigenous identity and his vocation, a message for those who are struggling with their faith, and his thoughts on the Holy Father’s visit.

Listen to Father Cristino on the Upfront PODCAST:

1. Residential Schools and Priesthood w/ Fr. Cristino Bouvette (Part 1)
2. Hope beyond the headlines w/ Fr. Cristino Bouvette (Part 2)

Archbishop Smith is interviewed on CBC about the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-52-radio-active/clip/15896864-new-fund-catholic-church

Bishop McGrattan speaks on responding to Indigenous issues as Catholics as a first step to reconciliation

Apology by the Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of this Land

On behalf of His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, we share with you a video featuring Bishops from across the country reading the “Apology by the Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of this Land.”

The video was shown during the Cardinal’s Annual Dinner, a virtual event this year, and was produced with the assistance of Salt & Light Catholic Media Foundation.

The video (bilingual) can be shared to parishes and the public via the following link: https://youtu.be/M6BazS2PEN0

Statements by the Catholic Bishops of Canada

• Canadian Bishops invite Residential School Survivors, Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Youth to meet with Pope Francis in December
• Canadian Bishops Announce $30M National Financial Pledge to Support Healing and Reconciliation Initiatives
• Canadian Bishops to welcome Pope Francis to Canada on historic pilgrimage of healing and reconciliation
• Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of this land

VIDEO: Archbishop Smith responds to Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada

In this short video, Archbishop Richard Smith responds to the national apology issued by the Canadian Bishops, as well as a nation-wide collective financial commitment to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors, their families, and their communities.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR)
– Sept. 30

This day provides an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, and commit to working for truth and reconciliation in the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Acknowledging the particular association that exists between our Catholic Church and the Indian Residential Schools, the Archdiocese will also recognize this day as a statutory holiday. Unlike other holidays, the NDTR is not just a day off from work: instead it is very much a day when we encourage our whole Catholic community to take up the work of prayer and reflection, of learning and listening, of reaching out and reaching forward toward a new relationship of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples of this land.

• Read Archbishop Smith’s Letter (PDF, 2 pages)

VIDEOS: Healing & Reconciliation Series

The abuse of Indigenous peoples is a dark chapter in the history of Canada and of the Catholic Church. This two-part webinar series is a brief reflection on the history of the residential schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the long road towards Healing and Reconciliation:

Part 1

Part 2

This educational video series is presented by Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith, Deacon John Brown, Cardinal Thomas Collins – the Archbishop of Toronto – and Neil McCarthy, the director of communications for the Toronto Archdiocese.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Residential Schools

 – June 2021

There has been considerable media coverage and discussion in recent days following the discovery of children’s remains at the former residential school in Kamloops, B.C.

The discovery has reopened a painful wound for many in our country. It has identified the need for all Canadians to learn more about our history, the role of residential schools as part of that journey and to seek the truth regarding all those who suffered and continue to do so to this day.

The abuse of Indigenous peoples is a dark chapter in the history of Canada and of the Catholic Church. While the Church has cared for and served Indigenous people in many ways, it is undeniable that some members of the Church undermined the dignity of First Nations people. There is evidence that much of this abuse occurred at residential schools, which were largely operated by Christian denominations.

This FAQ is intended to provide some context and address some frequently asked questions about this important issue. We must all join in the collective efforts on the path to healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

FAQ regarding Residential Schools

1. I am deeply troubled by the discovery of children’s remains in Kamloops on the site of a former residential school. Who operated the school?

The discovery of 215 unmarked graves in late May 2021 will require further investigation to help seek the truth of who these children were, how they died and how they were buried so far from home. The school was built and initially operated by the federal government, opening in 1890. In 1892, the federal government asked a Catholic order, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, to take over operations, which they did until 1969. The federal government resumed operation of the school from 1969 until its closure in 1979. The religious order issued an Apology to the First Nations of Canada by the Oblate Conference of Canada in 1991 in addition to paying settlements to residential school survivors. An excerpt of the apology reads as follows:

“We wish to apologize in a very particular way for the instances of physical and sexual abuse that occurred in those schools…Far from attempting to defend or rationalize these cases of abuse in any way, we wish to state publicly that we acknowledge they were inexcusable, intolerable and a betrayal of trust in one of its most serious forms. We deeply and very specifically, apologize to every victim of such abuse and we seek help in searching for means to bring about healing.”

2. Is the Catholic Church assisting with the efforts to seek the truth in Kamloops and elsewhere?

Father Ken Thorson, current Superior of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, has reached out to the Tk'emlups te Secwépemc Chief Rosanne Casimir to offer assistance and to express sympathies following the discovery of the remains of 215 children on the grounds of the former school. Father Thorson communicated that records from the Kamloops Indian Residential School are with the Royal British Columbia Museum, and has indicated the order will assist in sharing any information regarding records from this and other locations where the order operated schools. Among the groups of dioceses and religious communities that operated residential schools, there is a spirit of cooperation with Indigenous peoples with regards to personal records and information relating to the former schools. At the same time, there are also privacy rights, especially of Indigenous peoples who attended these schools, which need to be taken into consideration on a case by case basis.

3. Why aren’t we hearing an apology from the Catholic Church in Canada?

There is no such national entity as the Catholic Church “of Canada.” Each Catholic diocese and religious order is an independent legal entity. Despite their independence, in 1991, Canada’s Catholic Bishops, along with leaders of men and women religious communities, together issued a statement that “We are sorry and deeply regret the pain, suffering and alienation that so many experienced” at residential schools. Approximately 16 out of the 70 Roman Catholic dioceses in Canada were associated with the former residential schools, in addition to about three dozen out of over one hundred Catholic institutes (commonly referred to as religious orders.) Each diocese and institute is corporately and legally responsible for its own actions. Many of the dioceses or orders who operated schools have offered apologies, dating back to the early 1990s. In recent years, many bishops throughout Canada have offered statements and introduced other initiatives to continue our ongoing path to truth and reconciliation. A listing of some of the numerous apologies and other resources can be found at: www.cccb.ca/indigenous-peoples/indian-residential-schools-and-trc/ In culmination, Pope Francis apologized multiple times in Alberta, Quebec and Nunavut during his July 2022 penitential visit 'Walking Together.' The Pope’s visit provided a unique opportunity for him, once again, to listen and dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, to express his heartfelt closeness and to address the impact of colonization and the participation of the Catholic Church in the operation of residential schools throughout Canada.

4. Did the Archdiocese of Edmonton operate residential schools?

There were 15 residential schools in Alberta. Two of them – Ermineskin and Youville – were within the current boundaries of the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese of Edmonton (historically the Diocese of St. Albert) did not operate residential schools. Schools in the region were run by religious orders, primarily the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the Sisters of Providence and the Sisters of the Assumption. More information can be found on this information sheet. We share the collective grief and sorrow as the result of any representative of the Catholic Church inflicting pain or abuse on any individual, especially vulnerable children.

5. Have Indigenous leaders met with the Pope?

Yes. In 2009, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine, along with other Indigenous representatives, had a moving encounter at the Vatican with Pope Benedict XVI, who acknowledged the pain and hardship associated with residential schools, and expressed deep regret at the suffering of those who are still living with the effects of their experiences at the schools. The Holy Father met with individual Indigenous delegations the week of March 28, 2022, and a historic final audience with all participants will took place on Friday, April 1, 2022, culminating with Pope Francis' promise to personally visit and apologize on Canadian soil. The Catholic Church continues to work alongside and with Indigenous communities in order to foster an ongoing culture of reconciliation. There have been, and continue to be, numerous initiatives by Catholic dioceses, institutes and organizations throughout Canada to assist and support the ongoing healing and reconciliation journey.

6. I understand there was a formal request in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report for the Pope to personally apologize in Canada?

Pope Francis accepted an invitation from the Bishops of Canada to visit Canada for a pilgrimage of healing and reconciliation with our Indigenous sisters and brothers. The Holy Father has released a statement: press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2021/10/27/0699/01486.html. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops released an accompanying statement: www.cccb.ca/media-release/canadian-bishops-to-welcome-pope-francis-to-canada-on-historic-pilgrimage-of-healing-and-reconciliation/ The papal visit built on three years of constructive dialogue between the Canadian Bishops, the Vatican, and Indigenous Peoples who have generously shared their experiences and stories about the suffering and challenges that continue to this day. The Holy Father’s announcement wa in response to the expectations expressed by the Bishops during the last meeting of the Plenary Assembly. The Holy Father was moved by the profound desire of the Bishops of Canada and the Indigenous Peoples that he come to Canada on a pilgrimage of healing and reconciliation, thanks to a joint delegation to Rome that took place in March 2022, where Pope Francis heard directly from Indigenous Peoples on the historical and ongoing legacy of residential schools, as well as their hopes and desires for his visit to Canada. Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith was a part of the joint delegation. The promise was realized when Pope Francis visited Canada in Alberta, Quebec and Nunavut to 'Walk Together' and apologize in July 2022.

7. Will the Catholic Church pay financial reparations to those harmed by residential schools?

The Catholic entities that operated residential schools were part of the 2006 Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (IRSSA). The Holy See and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops were never involved in running the former schools. The “Roman Catholic Entities” named as parties in the IRSSA were legally deemed to have fulfilled the requirements of the settlement agreement by a judicial review. Following the review, the former Conservative government released the entities from further obligations – a decision which the present Liberal government did not appeal. The 50 or so individual entities which signed the IRSSA paid:

i. $29 million in cash (less legal costs);

ii. more than the required $25 million of “in-kind” contributions; and

iii. an additional $3.7 million from a “best efforts” campaign.

Those same entities, together with other dioceses, institutes and national Catholic organizations, continue to be involved in efforts across the country to provide in-kind contributions, which go well beyond the scope of the Indian Residential School Agreement.

8. Where can I find additional resources?

• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations. The NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC).
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle is a Catholic coalition of Indigenous people, bishops, lay movements, clergy and institutes of consecrated life, engaged in renewing and fostering relationships between the Catholic Church and Indigenous Peoples in Canada. For more information visit: www.ourladyofguadalupecircle.ca
• If you visit the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops website you will find a dedicated page to apologies that the Church has made regarding residential schools.
• You can download this document here: Residential Schools - Frequently Asked Questions

Truth & Reconciliation Commission

The TRC released in 2012 a report called They Came for the Children, signed by commissioners Justice Murray Sinclair, Chief Wilton Littlechild, and Marie Wilson. Work continued until June 2, 2015 when four days of special events and ceremonies in Ottawa were capped with the release of the TRC Summary Report. The commission examined in detail the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools in Canada and issued 94 “Calls to Action” aimed at healing and nurturing the relationship between indigenous peoples and other Canadians. Full details of the Commission’s work can be found at http://www.trc.ca.

The schools were funded by the federal government and operated in most cases by churches or religious communities. The Corporation of Catholic Entities Party to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement (CEPIRSS) represents 17 dioceses and 37 religious institutes involved in managing and helping to operate the schools on behalf of the Government of Canada.

Here are some responses of Catholic leaders to the TRC Summary Report:

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

The Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has issued an initial response to the summary report and Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Permanent Council calls the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission “another important step in providing further opportunity for deeper encounter, greater understanding and renewed hope” for the First Nations, Inuit and Metis, as well as for all Canadians. The CCCB Council confirms that the Calls to Action recommended to Churches by the TRC will be on the agenda of the next Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops of Canada, set for September 14-18. “We are committed to ensuring that the Calls to Action will be given careful hearing and full discussion,” the statement says. “We are confident they will be carefully considered, and in this process we know we can count on the collaboration of the Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council.”

• Link to the full text of the statement

Archbishop Gerard Pettipas of Grouard-McLennan, President of the CEPIRSS

“I want to express our appreciation to the Commissioners who have worked tirelessly to lead us all in a very searching examination of conscience in regard to a painful period in our history. The Commission has now presented all Canadians with Calls to Action. … On behalf of Catholic entities, I receive these challenges and encourage others in our community to do so as well. In the next few months, I will be presenting these Calls to Action to all of the Bishops of Canada and to the Canadian Religious Conference as direction posts and milestones on the way to a reconciled future…”

• Entities Response To TRC Findings (PDF)

Joint Church Statement

A joint statement was also issued on behalf of The Anglican Church of Canada, The Presbyterian Church in Canada, the Roman Catholic Entities Parties to the Settlement Agreement, The United Church of Canada, and the Jesuits of English Canada. “We are grateful to the survivors, whose courageous witness has touched the heart of the life of our churches. There have been apologies from our churches, yet we know that our apologies are not enough. And so we are grateful as well to the Commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for their findings and for their clarity about our continuing responsibilities….”

• Link to the joint statement

Rev. Ken Forster OMI, Former Provincial of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Lacombe Province

Father Ken preached on reconcilation during his homily on Trinity Sunday. “…These evil acts of ours, whether done intentionally or unintentionally, as well as sins of omission, failing to do the good, need the healing forgiveness of the Creator and the forgiveness of First Nations. Today we pray that we non-aboriginals own the truth of the injury caused by ourselves and by the unjust system of a dominant colonial society that continues today. Let us own our sin and repent! …”

• Link to Father Ken’s homily

Earlier Public Statements at TRC event in Edmonton, March 2014

• Alberta Bishops TRC Statement Gesture of Reconciliation – delivered by Archbishop Smith
• Oblates of Lacombe Province TRC Statement Gesture of Reconciliation – delivered by Rev. Ken Forster OMI, Provincial
• Canadian Council of Churches TRC Statement – delivered by Lt. Col. Jim Champ, CCC President, CCCB among signers of Statement)

Residential Schools: Historical Catholic-run residential schools and diocese jurisdictions (1871 to present)

To use this map, select ONE FILTER AT A TIME, then view each school for info when it was active.
ONLY Catholic-run residential schools recognized by NCTR are listed.

Residential school colours on map:

• Blue (OMI/Grey Nuns)
• Green (OMI/Sisters of Providence)
• Yellow (OMI/Sisters of Assumption)

Timeline:

• September 22, 1871 – Diocese of Saint Albert (erected)
• July 3, 1901 – Vicariate Apostolic of Athabaska (split)
• November 30, 1912 – Diocese of Calgary (erected)
• November 30, 1912 – Archdiocese of Edmonton (elevated)
• *March 25, 1927 – Vicariate Apostolic of Grouard (name change)
• July 17, 1948 – Diocese of St. Paul (erected)
• July 13, 1967 – Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan (elevated)
• May 12, 1970 –  Diocese of Saint Paul (land added, from Diocese of McKenzie-Fort Smith)

Information sheet on Indian Residential Schools in Alberta