The head of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Kamloops is apologizing after the remains of 215 children were found outside the former Kamloops Indian Residential School last month.
“Immediately after hearing the horrifying and shocking report on the finding of the remains of 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, I responded to [Tk’emlups te Secwepemc] Chief Rosanne Casimir and all of the Kamloops First Nations communities by expressing my deepest sympathy, profound sorrow and genuine apology,” Bishop Joseph Nguyen said in a YouTube video.
“On behalf of the diocese of Kamloops, I wish to again offer my heartfelt apology to all who have been affected by this horrific report, and wish to express my closeness to you at this painful time.”
Nguyen has also met with Kukpi7 Casimir, saying the Diocese of Kamloops is willing to work together with First Nations communities moving forward.
“As we continue to pray for the souls of these beloved children, their families and the communities, I want you to know that we are here for you,” he added. “We want to walk together with you and, more importantly, we want to walk together with First Nations communities toward healing, reconciliation and peace.”
Nguyen’s apology comes two weeks after a statement released on May 29, which said he was ‘heartbroken and horrified’ after learning about the discovery, which was made public on May 28.
“I express my deepest sympathy to Chief Rosanne Casimir of the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Nation and to all who are mourning this tragedy and an unspeakable loss. No words of sorrow could adequately describe this horrific discovery,” Bishop Joseph Nguyen said at that time.
“Along with the people of the Diocese of Kamloops, I offer assurance of my personal support, prayers and accompaniment to our First Nations community in Kamloops and beyond.”
There have been calls for the Pope to apologize from across the country – including from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – but it is something Pope Francis has so far stopped short of doing.
“It took [the church] many many years to deal with so many issues that are outstanding, not only with First Nations but also internal to the Catholic Church, and I feel that the Catholic Church has to step up and the church has to say something,” Former Tk‘emlúps Chief Manny Jules told NL News last month.
“Their silence in my view speaks volumes.”
The Kamloops Indian Residential School was in operation from 1890 until 1978. For most of that time it was operated by the Catholic Church, with the Federal Government taking over operations in 1969. Prior to 1945, the school was within the boundaries of the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
The Archbishop of Vancouver has also apologized for the Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system in Canada.
In a 14-part statement on twitter, Archbishop J. Michael Miller says “the Church was unquestionably wrong in implementing a government colonialist policy which resulted in devastation for children, families and communities.”
“In light of the heartbreaking disclosure of the remains of 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, I am writing to express my deep apology and profound condolences to the families and communities that have been devastated by this horrific news,” Miller wrote.
“No amount of apologies is going to solve all of these issues,” Manny Jules added. “What we have to do is make sure is that First Nations assume our rightful place in this federation known as Canada.”
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support to former residential school students and people affected. It is available 24-hours-a day at 1-866-925-4419.
Within B.C., the KUU-US Crisis Line Society also offers 24/7 support toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. Alternatively, a youth line can be reached at 250-723-2040 and an adult line is available at 250-723-4050.
Kúkpi7 Rosanne and Councillor Jeanette Jules met with Bishop Joseph Nguyen and Rick Gilbert to discuss the residential school findings. pic.twitter.com/wKhtrhGLPf
— Tk’emlúpsTeSecwépemc (@Tkemlups) June 11, 2021
