Ottawa to Fund Travel for Residential School Survivors to See the Pope | Native Residential Schools

The Vatican confirmed Thursday that Pope Francis will still visit Canada from July 24-29 despite his ongoing knee problems.

This journey focuses on healing and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples for the harm caused by the Catholic Church’s operation of government-funded residential schools for Indigenous children.

The sovereign pontiff will also celebrate two great masses for the faithful at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton and at the sanctuary of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, about 33 km northeast of Quebec.

A senior government source who was not authorized to speak publicly told CBC that funds would be available for survivors who wish to see Pope Francis or organize their own community activities. This source said an announcement is expected within two weeks.

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller said Thursday he could not speak publicly about how much money the government will offer. However, he said the government will be there for the survivors to make sure they can participate.

” We’ll make sure they can do it in a way that doesn’t cost them an arm and a leg. »

He noted that the papal visit could become a logistical nightmare in the event that alumni are stranded at airports.

Other forms of support for survivors

The Government of Nunavut is already covering travel and accommodation costs for a small group of survivors for the Pope’s visit to Iqaluit.

Nunavut Inuit wishing to attend the pontifical celebrations are asked to register with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), the organization responsible for protecting Inuit rights under the Nunavut Agreement.

NTI is working with Inuit Tapariit Kanatami (ITK) and other Inuit regional leaders on a plan to facilitate travel for Inuit and to organize exchanges with Pope Francis.

The president of theITK, Natan Obed, told CBC that he hopes the Roman Catholic Church will provide substantial funds so that residential school survivors can attend the papal visit. But he said Ottawa should also foot the bill.

” Ottawa and the Church should cover the cost of travel [des survivants des pensionnats] since they were responsible for running the residential schools and that is the very reason why an apology from the Catholic Church is needed today. »

Role of the Church

Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton, who is leading preparations for the papal visit, said the church is considering offering financial support but details have yet to be ironed out locally between different dioceses. The Church certainly wants to play its partsaid Mr. Smith.

In a statement from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), a spokesperson said some dioceses provide individual funding for survivors, while others coordinate travel arrangements for multiple groups wishing to make a pilgrimage during the papal visit.

The CCCB adds that some local dioceses may also organize community outreach activities.

Some First Nations, for example the community of McLeod Lake, located approximately 920 km northeast of Vancouver, intend to cover travel and accommodation costs for their surviving members.

The federal government also bears the costs related to the safety of the pope since the sovereign pontiff’s trip constitutes a state visit.

Based on text by Olivia Stefanovich, The Canadian News