SASKATOON — Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon has stated that, despite the Church's progress in establishing relationships with Indigenous communities, there is still much work to be done.
Hagemoen, this year marking the 10th anniversary of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action report, stated that all Catholics, whether clergy, religious, or lay people, should continue the work in the mission of healing and reconciliation.
He said that the late Pope Francis, who died in April this year, worked hard to improve the relationship of the Catholic Church with Indigenous Peoples, after the latter suffered decades of abuse from some priests and nuns while being forced to attend residential schools.
Pope Francis even met a delegation composed of First Nations, Inuit and Métis elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth more than three years ago. He culminated with an apology on Canadian soil in July 2022.
“Pope Francis came here in 2022, as you know, and made a significant contribution through his great leadership and great humility to this journey of Truth and Reconciliation,” said Hagemoen, recalling the late pontiff’s six-day visit to Canada with stops in Edmonton, Quebec, and Nunavut.
“But, ultimately, all of this is not about checking off a checklist of things we need to do to finish off the [94] Calls of Action. As Indigenous Catholic elders are saying across our country, this is about a relationship. Over the last 10 years, we've made significant progress."
The Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish’s Circle of Saskatoon has also highlighted the need for renewed dedication between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples on the spirit of truth and reconciliation, and provide healing within their community.
The parish, which is a key part of the Saskatoon Diocese’s ministry to Indigenous Peoples, serves First Nations, Métis, and non-Indigenous peoples, where Indigenous language is used and spiritual traditions are integrated with their Catholic faith practices.
