Nunavut Inuit Attend Pope’s Apology

Press Release

(July 26, 2022 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk and a delegation of fifty-five Nunavut Inuit attended Pope Francis’ apology for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in and the abuses suffered at residential schools.

“Inuit have finally been heard and their experiences acknowledged. I give my thanks to the survivors for being in attendance and for being open to their own healing. I am moved by their bravery, compassion and optimism for our future,” says NTI President Aluki Kotierk.

Inuit have called for an apology for decades, including through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

An apology should be seen as only one step towards reconciliation. NTI has worked with the Office of the Papal Visit and Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to plan for Pope Francis’ arrival to Iqaluit. NTI has continually asked that:

  • Pope Francis instruct Johannes Rivoire to return to Canada to face charges in court;
  • Evidence be handed over, including from personnel files, so that Nunavut Inuit do not need to re-live their experiences and post-humus testimony can be used in court;
  • Johannes Rivoire and Eric Dejaeger be excommunicated so that they are no longer protected by the Roman Catholics; and
  • The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops contribute funding to the Nunavut Tunngavik Foundation for culture and healing programs for Nunavut Inuit affected by residential schools.

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For further information:

Malaya Mikijuk
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4900/Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
mmikijuk@tunngavik.com
www.tunngavik.com

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