Indigenous Peoples, Truth and Reconciliation

On this page we will be posting information and resources about the Catholic Church's role in the healing and reconciliation with the Indigenous people of this land, our role in the residential school system, and the work being done.   

We have moved all the videos but the most recent to a dedicated page at this link.

Diocese of London's Seventh Truth and Reconciliation Speaker Series Event will feature Bill Hill an expert on Indigenous Mental Health and Well-Being.

On February 9 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm, Bill Hill will build his presentation around any questions that you may have. He is open to any questions regarding Indigenous peoples, issues, ways of knowing, as well as mental health and well-being. 

Please submit your questions at the link below on or before Thursday, February 2nd. Please click this link to submit questions for the February session.

Bill is Mohawk and is from Six Nations. He has worked in mental health since 1982 as a Nurse, Social Worker and as an Educator, all with a specific focus on an Indigenous worldview. He has designed and implemented unique strategies to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into hospital care and post-secondary practice and curriculum. Presently, he is the Director of Indigenous Mental Wellness at Atlohsa Family Healing Services in partnership with both Parkwood Institute Mental Health’s Biigajiiskaan: Indigenous Pathways to Mental Wellness and LHSC’s Indigenous Healing Space at Victoria Hospital Campus. Bill recently joined the Admissions Committee for the MD Program at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry in Western University. Register for the event at this link.

Diocese of London's Sixth Truth and Reconciliation Speaker Series Event featured Hon. Justice Deborah Austin; Bethany Williams, Indigenous Jail Liaison and Sarah Donohue, a lawyer.

The session, held on January 26 at 7:00 p.m., the Truth and Reconciliation Speaker's Series was focused on Indigenous Justice Methods and the Circle Sentencing Method. The Circle Sentencing Process is a way that Indigenous Peoples deal with criminality and issues between persons in their societies. Indigenous Persons Courts have adopted the process across the country and it involves a non-adversarial process in which members of the community, victims, the accused and all persons have a voice and a collective decision is made regarding reparations and punishment (if any.) Our speakers were the Hon. Justice Deborah Austin; Bethany Williams, Indigenous Jail Liaison; and Sarah Donohue, criminal lawyer and member of the Diocesan Truth and Reconciliation Committee. For more information contact pastoralservicesadmin@dol.ca. 

The Truth and Reconciliation Fund

Bishop Fabbro's letter to the faithful launching the Truth and Reconciliation Fund is below (Printable PDFs are also available in English and French):

4 July 2022

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

At the end of July, Pope Francis will be making an Apostolic Journey to Canada stopping in Quebec, Alberta and Nunavut. Drawing on the theme of “Walking Together”, the visit will include a combination of public and private events with an emphasis on Indigenous participation. It is Pope Francis' desire to meet with Indigenous groups, parish communities, clergy, religious and lay people. As part of this historic trip, we anticipate that the Pope will offer a formal apology on Canadian soil for the Church’s participation in the Residential School System.

In September 2021, the Bishops of Canada offered an apology and asked Pope Francis to receive a delegation of Indigenous Peoples. In April of this year, Pope Francis received this delegation and apologized to the representatives from Indigenous groups who met with him in Rome (1 April 2022). In my role as the Bishop of London, I have apologized to the Indigenous People of this land (27 September 2021) and committed our Diocese to walk on the path of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

As an expression of our commitment to healing and reconciliation, I have also committed the Diocese of London to $1.8-million over the next five years, and I have pledged the resources and the support of the people of our Diocese for this project. We are calling this fund the "Diocese of London Truth and Reconciliation Fund".

I invite you to be part of the process of healing and reconciliation. Your efforts, combined with the work and prayers of many others, are important as we walk together on this path towards truth, healing and reconciliation. There are different ways in which you can participate: prayer, the ongoing education opportunities offered by our Diocese, taking part this summer in local events and activities so as to better understand Indigenous people in this region, and contributing to our Diocese of London Truth and Reconciliation Fund.

To make a tax-deductible donation in support of our truth and reconciliation efforts, you can do one of the following:

• Write a cheque payable to your parish indicating that it is for the "Truth and Reconciliation Fund".
• Make an online donation through your parish website.
• Use the Diocese of London's online giving website https://dol.pllenty.com For online donations, please select "Truth and Reconciliation Fund" from the available options or add it as a comment, so that your gift can be allocated properly. I thank you in advance for your support of this worthy cause

Click here or on the banner below to donate to support healing and reconciliation

Links from the Pentitential Pilgimrage by Pope Francis 

During his "pilgrimage of penance", Pope Francis made a series of public statements regarding reconciliation and healing. Electronic copies of these statements are hyperlinked below:

1. Address of the Holy Father: Meeting with Indigenous Peoples – First nations, Métis and Inuit – at Maskwacis (25/07/2022)
2. Address of the Holy Father: Meeting with Indigenous Peoples and Members of the Parish Community at Sacred Heart (25/07/2022)
3. Homily of the Holy Father at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton (26/07/2022)
4. Homily of the Holy Father at Lac Ste. Anne (26/07/2022)
5. Address of the Holy Father: Meeting with Civil Authorities, Representatives of Indigenous Peoples and Members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Citadelle in Quebec (27/07/2022)
6. Homily of the Holy Father at the National Shrine of Saint Anne de Beaupré (28/07/2022)
7. Homily of the Holy Father at Vespers with Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Consecrated persons, Seminarians and Pastoral workers at the Cathedral of Notre Dame (28/07/2022)
8. Pope Francis' reflection on his journey at the General Audience on August 3, 2022

For reference, links 1-7 have been collected on a single page of the Vatican website: Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Pope Francis to Canada (24-30 July 2022)

Annotated Bibliography

Session 3 - Life Before Contact with Ray John 

Steve Paikin interview with Bob Joseph, author of 21 Things you may not know about the Indian Act

• The Indian Act Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhBrq7Ez-rQ 

Reflections and Link for Presentation 1, Archbishop Murray Chatlain

Click here for the recording of the Zoom session

Discussion/Reflection Questions for Presentation 1

1. Why are Indigenous issues important?
2. What are some suggestions that Archbishop Chatlain gives us to support those who are Indigenous and to reach out to Indigenous people and communities
3. What is one suggestion that we can action?

Reflection Questions for those reading 21 Things you may not know about the Indian Act

As you jot down notes and your own reflections on the contents of the book, you are invited to condider the following Reflection Questions: 

• What did you know about the Indian Act before reading this book?
• How do you feel after learning more about the Indian Act?
• Will this book influence the way you now perceive Indigenous Peoples?
• Has this book broadened your understanding of the issues faced by Indigenous Peoples today?
• What drove Bob Joseph to write this book? Do you think he was successful in his goal?
• What was the most surprising fact you learned? How did you feel upon learning it?
• What fact did you have a completely wrong idea about? Where do you think that inaccuracy came from?
• Every chapter begins with an individual’s quote about the Indian Act. Which one impressed you the most, either positively or negatively?
• Which of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action were relevant to you personally? Professionally?
• What steps are you taking or hoping to take towards Truth and Reconciliation?

Current summary of actions planned or underway in the Diocese

As guided by our own Truth and Reconciliation Committee, they are currently: 

• Our Truth and Reconciliation Committee will assist the bishop in reviewing requests made by individuals or groups to fund healing and reconciliation work in the Diocese. We have committed $1,800,000 to be raised over the next five years as our contribution to the $30 million Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF).
• On May 5 all priests, deacons, lay ministers, and staff were invited to the first of several monthly presentations designed and hosted by our Truth and Reconciliation Committee to raise awareness about issues facing both Indigenous and non-indigenous persons. The second presentation is scheduled for June 9.
• Compiling a list of resources for parishes and faith communities to better understand the legacy of Canada’s residential school system. 
• The week of May 23-27 the book "21 Things you may not know about the Indian Act" was distributed to all staff and clergy. 
• Developing resources for distribution to parishes and other opportunities for both education and formation and how our parishes might cooperate as agents of reconciliation.

Diocesean Truth and Reconcilation Committee

As announced by Bishop Fabbro on December 8, 2021, the Committee will be co-chaired by Mrs. Kathy Furlong and Father Michael Béchard. They will share the work with:

• Ms. Sarah Donohue, J.D.
• Mr. Paul Gilpin
• Ms. Christine Maracle
• Ms. Melissa Philips
• Father Dan Vere
• Dr. Valerie Waboose
• Mrs. Gwen Waeijen

Progress Update on our Truth and Reconciliation Work 
In a 22/24 February Letter to the Faithful (Fr | En), Bishop Fabbro provided an update on what has been achieved to date in our Diocese and with the CCCB.

Members of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee Announced
In a 27 September Letter to the Faithful, Bishop Fabbro announces the members of the diocesan Truth and Reconciliation Committee who are entrusted with guiding all of us on the path to truth and reconciliation.

My Apology to the Indigenous Peoples of this Land
(27 September 2021) This is available as a printable PDF at this link. Links to the CCCB's apology and fundraising commitment are in the text below. 

"On 24 September  2021, at the conclusion of our Plenary Assembly, the Bishops of Canada issued a statement to you, the Indigenous Peoples of this land, acknowledging the suffering of those who attended Canada’s Indian Residential Schools as well as the intergenerational trauma and the tragic legacy of suffering that Indigenous people continue to experience. The whole system of the residential schools did not respect the languages, culture and spirituality of Indigenous Peoples but sought rather to suppress them. The Bishops acknowledge that the Catholic religious orders and dioceses which ran these schools participated in this system, and that terrible abuses were committed in them by some of these Catholics. In their statement, the Catholic Bishops of Canada express their profound remorse and apologize unequivocally.

In solidarity with the Bishops of Canada, I too want to acknowledge the grave harm afflicted on you, the Indigenous Peoples of this land, to express to you my profound sorrow and to offer my own unequivocal apology to you. With the Bishops of Canada, I am committed to the process of healing and reconciliation across the country and here in the Diocese of London.

As an expression of our continuing commitment to healing and reconciliation, we will take the following actions in the Diocese of London:

1. Conversations with local Indigenous communities:  We will continue conversations that have already been taking place with band members at Walpole Island and Aamjiwnaang First Nation. These conversations and others give us an opportunity to learn from local Indigenous communities how best we can journey with them on the road of truth and reconciliation and could also provide a platform for educational opportunities.
2. Educational opportunities:  Currently, there are some excellent educational opportunities in our diocese, such as the Truth and Reconciliation Speaker Series offered by the Springbank Catholic Family of Parishes in London and available virtually to all in our diocese. We will continue these conversations with local Indigenous communities to learn from them the educational process that is needed and are adding resources to a dedicated page on our website.  
3. Service of Reparation:  With guidance from local Indigenous communities, we will craft a “service of reparation” to express the suffering and the harm afflicted by the residential schools, to atone for the role our Church played in them and to seek God’s guidance as we journey on the path of healing and reconciliation.
4. Collection of funds: Our diocese will develop a fundraising plan as our contribution to the nation-wide collective financial commitment to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors, their families, and their communities announced by the Bishops of Canada on 27 September 2021. The allocation of funds raised in our diocese will involve the input of local Indigenous communities and will be part of our efforts to build good relationships and partnerships with them. We will also continue our financial commitment to the Diocese of Whitehorse, with its large Indigenous population.
5. A new committee to oversee this work:  We will establish a committee to oversee these actions:  the conversations, the educational pieces, the service of reparation, and the collection and distribution of funds. This committee would be named by the Bishop and report to the Bishop regularly. The work of healing and reconciliation is ongoing. The duration of this committee and the role it would play into the future, however, will need to be determined.

In union with the Bishops of Canada, I commit the Diocese of London to accompany you, the Indigenous Peoples of this land, on the journey of healing and reconciliation. I realize that there is much more work to do in our diocese, but I know that “we look forward to listening and learning from you as we walk in solidarity”. Through the intercession of our Lady of Guadalupe, may God bless you and may our efforts bear fruit in abundance."

Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, CSB
Bishop of London


Bishop Fabbro's Statement on Residential Schools and Relations with Canada's Indigenous People
(July 2, 2021). This is available as a printable PDF at this link.

"All Canadians are deeply concerned and angry about the discovery of children's remains at burial sites of former residential schools in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Parishioners have written me about the Church's involvement in the residential schools and the demand for a papal apology. At the end of May, when the horrifying discovery was made of the remains of children at the Kamloops residential school, I issued a statement promising our prayers for the families and survivors and expressing our commitment to play "a constructive role in the journey towards healing and reconciliation". I would like to draw your attention to a couple of recent statements that have been published by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The statement on June 10 explains the work the bishops have been doing for several years now with Indigenous Peoples from across Canada. I encourage you to read the statement at this link. It has been important for the bishops to sit down with Indigenous communities, in "listening circles", to hear their stories and to listen to what they need from the Catholic Church for reconciliation. It also is important that Indigenous voices lead the process.

A key initiative arising from these conversations is the pastoral visit of Indigenous Peoples with Pope Francis that will take place December 17-20 in Rome. The group, which will include residential school survivors, Elders and youth, will be able to dialogue directly with the pope, and he will be able to express to them "his heartfelt closeness, address the impact of colonization and the implications of the Church in the residential schools, so as to respond to the suffering of Indigenous Peoples and the ongoing effects of intergenerational trauma".  

For the bishops, the conversations we have had with Indigenous Peoples, the work we are doing together and the delegation that will visit with the pope are steps on the journey of reconciliation and healing. The hope is that these common efforts will build bridges and new relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the Catholic Church in Canada, and lead to further action.

All of these statements, including my own, and resources about this important issue are available on the Diocese of London website at this link.

Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, CSB
Bishop of London"

Bishop Fabbro's Statement after the discovery of the graves and the former Kamloops Residential School (May 31, 2021):

"I am shocked and profoundly saddened by the horrifying discovery of the remains of at least 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation.

When the operation of residential schools was delegated by the federal government to several Christian faith-based groups, there were many failures in fulfilling Christ's mission of bringing the good news of the kingdom of God and helping the oppressed, including failures of the Catholic Church.
 
The presence of the graves of these innocent ones sheds light on a clear failure of those responsible in not embracing the Gospel values of love, mercy, justice and compassion, and for forgetting their commitment to respect the dignity of all people. These lost innocent ones are another reason why we must continue to learn from these failings and work with Indigenous communities towards the healing called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Yesterday, a memorial was placed at St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica in London as part of a nation-wide commemoration of the lost children. I visited the memorial today to pray, asking God to bring comfort to the families of the deceased and all survivors of the residential school system. We will continue to pray for the families of these children and survivors and commit ourselves to playing a constructive role in the journey towards healing and reconciliation."

• A Q&A to help provide some additional infomration and context is at this link
• An essay "Toward an Understanding of the Church’s Role in the Canadian Residential Schools and Our Response" by Rev. John P. Comiskey is at this link

Work Being done at the National Level

• Statement on the discovery of the graves at the former Kamloop Residential School 
• Statement on the delegation to the Holy See (the Vatican) quoted in its entirety below:

• Prayer for National Indigenous People's Day
• Statement on the date of the delegation to the Holy See (the Vatican)

Resources 

• "Residential Schools - Background for Catholics" | "Renseignements généraux pour les catholiques sur les pensionnats" prepared by the Archdiocese of Toronto 
• Cardinal Collins statement from the Archdiocese of Toronto
• Former Chief J. Wilton “Willie” Littlechild and Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith discuss reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples in Canada, and the response to the finding at the Kamloops Residential School site. Videos: Joint Statement and Interview
• Northern Bridge Community Partnership

The Indigenous Communities and the Metis Council Located in the Geographic Boundaries of the Diocese of London

• Aamjiwnaang First Nation (Sarnia)
• Caldwell First Nation (Leamington/Point Pelee)
• Chippewa of the Thames First Nation (southwest of London)
• Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation (northeast of Sarnia)
• Delaware Nation at Moraviantown (near Thamesville in eastern Chatham-Kent)
• Munsee-Delaware Nation (southwest of London)
• Oneida Nation of the Thames (southwest of London)
• Walpole Island First Nation (near Wallaceburg)

• Thames Bluewater Métis Council