‘Why did it take so long?’ Residential School survivor hears first-hand from Pope Francis

Elder Tom Roberts from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band once attended a residential school and was on hand to hear from Pope Francis while in Alberta.

He said that to describe the experience as emotional to him and his wife is an understatement.

“It kinda sent you back to the days of residential school and what happened there and what happened to our people over 100 years with the church’s role in the schools. It opened a lot of wounds. Not only mine but other people.”

The emotion was very present in Roberts’ voice as he not only recounted the Pope’s message but the memories it elicited, as a residential school survivor.

While Roberts said he appreciated the apology from Pope Francis, he and many other Indigenous people believe a lot more needs to be done. However, there was one unanswered question that’s been plaguing him all week.

“Why did it take over 100 years to realize what they were doing was wrong? Why it took so long for them to realize that and to finally say ‘I’m sorry and I’m ashamed’,” said Roberts. “It’s good to hear those words, accepting the fact that this happened within their churches but I’m sorry, I apologize is not enough. We need more, we need something more meaningful so our people can move on.”

Roberts was also on hand for the apology delivered by the Archbishop of Canterbury as he visited Prince Albert and James Smith Cree Nation in May. Justin Welby is head of the Church of England and senior bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada.

The Anglican Church said they ran three dozen residential schools from 1820 to 1969 around northern regions of central and western Canada, known as “Indian” and “Eskimo” Residential Schools.

Welby promised to take action, to work with residential school survivors to ensure that their stories are never forgotten.

During his visit to Lac Ste. Anne, Roberts said that the security was overwhelming and despite the invitation to residential school survivors, many could not make their way in.

“Other people wanted to come into the area to watch and listen (but) they weren’t allowed. They should have had it open. Some of the survivors that wanted to go see the Pope couldn’t because of the barricades they had around that area and the security. I wish I could have replaced one of them with my seat.”

Roberts was also on hand to witness Chief Wilton Littlechild present the Pope with an Indigenous headdress following his speech in Maskwacis. That gesture has garnered mixed reactions with many believing it was an insult to Indigenous people.

Roberts saw the act in a different way.

“For me, I respect Mr. Littlechild and what he did was right. He gave him something of his own, of his very own, he gifted him of that headdress. It sparked a lot of hurt for a lot of people, especially the Elders. They were hurt.”

What happens next is still to be determined. Will the church present more concrete actions? Will financial contributions be in play or will silence still be present?

“I saw Elders weeping. I counselled a couple of Elders who couldn’t take it. I talked to quite a few people. They said, ‘this is good, but we need something more’.” said Roberts. “Money isn’t going to do anything; money is not going to buy happiness.”

He added during his visit with the Archbishop of Canterbury, he asked that if the Anglican Church can build massive cathedrals, why couldn’t they build a healing centre for Indigenous people?

The Pope wraps up his six-day Canadian tour as he visits Indigenous people in Iqaluit, Nunavut Friday.

—

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock

by Derek Craddock

‘Why did it take so long?’ Residential School survivor hears first-hand from Pope Francis

What's Trending