Apr 07, 2022
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and all of Canada watched the First Nations, Métis and Inuit delegation to the Vatican as they visited with the Pope with regard to the role of the Catholic Church in operating the residential school system in Canada and for the resulting physical, cultural, and sexual abuses that have been extensively documented. The findings of unmarked graves at Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc, Williams Lake, and on other residential school grounds across BC has clearly created a compelling reality and an imperative for truth and for action.
Last week, First Nations, Métis and Inuit representatives from across Canada received an initial apology and a commitment from the Pope to visit Canada potentially to provide an elaboration on First Nations territory.
While First Nations survivors, families and leaders have very differing views on the Pope’s apology and visit, FNHA will continue to focus on mental health and wellness in partnership with communities and organizations to provide mental health and traditional and cultural supports now and during the potentially challenging months to come.