Category Archives: Indigenous Nations

Indigenous Nations, Spirituality

Leaders of the host Nations discuss the mixed emotions surrounding the papal apology

The following information and material here may trigger unpleasant feelings or thoughts relating to Residential Schools and the death of children. Please contact the 24 Hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 if you require emotional support.

By Chevi Rabbit, Alberta Native News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(Ermineskin Cree Nation, Treaty Six Territory) – It was an historic three days in central Alberta as Pope Francis embarked on his “penitential visit.”  The first stop in the Papal visit was in Maskwacis, where the Pope offered an emotional apology at the site of the former Ermineskin Residential School. His remarks evoked a range of emotions. The Chiefs of Treaty Six First Nations provided these reflections as part of a press conference following the Pope’s apology in Ermineskin Cree Nation.

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Indigenous Nations, Spirituality

Pope Francis Visits Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton

By Paula E. Kirman,  Alberta Native News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(ANNews) – Arriving to the sounds of drumming, Pope Francis’ made his first appearance in Edmonton at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples on July 25th, to an invitation-only audience of about 250 people. 

Pope Francis was welcomed by Fr. Susai Jesu OMI, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Associate Pastor, Fr. Mark Blom, OMI, and Elder Fernie Marty, a prominent member of the Sacred Heart community. 

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Indigenous Nations

National Advisory Committee Formed To Assist In Locating Unmarked Graves

By Jeremy Appel,  Alberta Native News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(ANNews) – The federal government and National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) announced the formation of a National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials on July 20. 

The committee will bring together experts in a variety of fields, including Indigenous laws and cultural protocols, forensics, archeology, archival research, criminal investigations, communication and working with Survivors, to provide Indigenous communities with reliable information on how to identify, locate, and commemorate unmarked gravesites. 

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Animals, Indigenous Nations

New hunting ban aims to preserve B.C.’s rare spirit bear

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Some First Nations on B.C.’s central coast are celebrating now that black bear hunting in their territories is closed to protect the exceptional cream-coloured spirit bears concentrated in those areas.

The spirit bear, also known as Kermode bears, are black bears that have a creamy white coat as a result of rare genetic mutation. 

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Indigenous Nations, Spirituality

‘It’s not over by a long stretch’: Residential school survivors await Pope Francis’ visit to Canada this month

By Melissa Renwick, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Pope Francis is set to tour three regions in Canada between July 24 and 29 on what is being called a historic journey of “healing and reconciliation.”

Earlier this year at the Vatican, the Pope apologized to Indigenous representatives from across Canada for “the deplorable behaviour” of members of the Catholic Church who caused harm to Indigenous communities through the residential school system.

Continue reading ‘It’s not over by a long stretch’: Residential school survivors await Pope Francis’ visit to Canada this month →