Following the announcement of the Pope’s visit to Canada in July and the absence of any visit to British Columbia, some Aboriginals said they were disappointed. This is the case of Chief Rosanne Casimir, of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, who says she is disappointed that the pope did not plan, at the moment, to go to Kamloops.
The discovery of approximately 200 unmarked graves near the city’s former Aboriginal boarding school last year was one of the triggers for the pope’s visit.
If she says she appreciates the fact that the pope is coming to Canada and understands the size of the country as well as the mobility issues facing the octogenarian, leader Rosanne Casimir is talking about a missed opportunity to come to the scene of zero point […]the largest boarding school in the country run by the Roman Catholic Church.
” My hope is in justice and reconciliation so that First Nations across Canada can find a way to work with the Catholic Church so that we can truly tread the path of healing together for our children and future generations. “
Chef Rosanne Casimir did not lose hope on this visit historic can pass through the province and mention highways and airports 15 minutes away available for such travel.
very much [que le pape] will have the opportunity to go to British Columbia and that he will take advantage of this opportunity, I have ruled nothing at this time, and I will remain a little hopeful.
The BC Assembly of First Nations is also calling on the pope to change his plans to include a visit to Tk’emlúps territory.
This dazzling oversight must be rectified immediately said chef Terry Teegee. Kupki7 Rosanne Casimir traveled to the Vatican with the entire delegation of leaders from all over Canada, the Pope must show mutual respect to Kupki7 Casimir and Tk’emlúps.
A “slap” in front of the survivors, according to Judy Wilson
Chief Judy Wilson, secretary-treasurer of the Union of BC Native Chiefs, described the pope’s failure to visit the province of slap in front of residential school survivors. The Church must be held accountable [et] the pope did not issue a full apologyhe says.
He explained that through British Columbia the issue of funerals near residential schools has actually been revealed for many Canadians, although it has been common knowledge among many natives for a long time.
Judy Wilson said the flight from Edmonton to Kamloops would take about 45 minutes and said the community would be an important stop on the Pope’s journey.
” There are still mixed feelings among the survivors. Some did not want to have contact with the pope because of the atrocities they and their families had suffered. “
A less important visit, according to Jason Louie
The Union of BC Native Chiefs calls for the rejection of the Doctrine of Discovery and the return of lands. This is really important because many churches still have land, says Chef Judy Wilson. The organization also requires churches to fully disclose their data.
In June 2021, the Lower Kootenay community announced the discovery of 182 unmarked graves (New window) near the former boarding school. Today Chief Jason Louie announced the Pope’s visit not much means for him and it makes no sense.
” If the pope comes here to kneel and apologize in the same way that natives have to kneel and apologize for being native, for not speaking English … that would probably appeal to my little Warning. “
Chief Jason Louie wants to consider all the places where funerals can be found crime scenes and ask us to stop to treat this individual [le pape] he is like a hero when he is part of the organization that killed our country.
With information from Chloé Dioré de Périgny and Michelle Ghoussoub
Source: Radio-Canada
