Konrad Sioui, former Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation of Wendake, expects more than an apology from the Holy Father and hopes that his speech at the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré will set the stage for a collaboration without obstacle between the Catholic Church and the indigenous peoples.
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The politician, also a day school survivor, believes the Edmonton speech bodes well for the future.
“We will hear the rest of the pope’s speech tomorrow [Thursday]. So far, it’s off to a good start, it’s solid, he argues. But we want more. Tomorrow we would like to hear questions, especially regarding the territory.
Mr. Sioui made it clear that the pope asked forgiveness on behalf of the Catholic Church, while several indigenous peoples denounced that the apology delivered in Edmonton did not recognize the role of the Church in the horrors they lived. .
“He came to extend his hand and we will take his hand,” wishes Mr. Sioui.
“Some answers”
In addition to the main part which concerns the violence committed in the boarding schools, Mr. Sioui hopes to hear from the Pope on access to the Vatican, to the various libraries and to the archives, “so that we can find answers”.
He would like him to send a message to the various dioceses, including that of Quebec, so that they allow the First Nations to have access to the territory, to territorial and economic development.
Finally, he hopes that the sovereign pontiff will have a special thought for their ancestors, the elders, the women and the children.
“There has been violence that does not apologize, wounds forever. People would have had wonderful lives, but they were shattered by attacks and violence,” said Mr. Sioui.
