Commentary on the Discovery
Of 215 Unmarked Graves
At the Kamloops Residential
School
Gatineau, June 3 2021
Dear friends,
Like you, I am shocked by
the news of the discovery of 215 unmarkedgraves of Aboriginal children on the
grounds of Kamloops Residential School. I grieve for our Indigenous brothers
and sisters whose suffering is rekindled by this news. As a member of a Church
that has contributed to this desolation, I am ashamed.
This discovery throws a
harsh light on what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) taught us
eight years ago. Indeed, the TRC had commissioned research on the issue of the
fate of children who died in residential schools. (https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AAA-Hamilton-cemetery-FInal.pdf)This study concluded that
many children died of tuberculosis in these residential schools, especially
before 1950. The CVR had counted more than 3,000 registered deaths, a death
rate two to three times higher than in the general population. As the registers
are partial, one can believe that the real figure is higher. The report noted
that health care was almost non-existent in these boarding schools, which were
underfunded and far from large urban centers. In addition, the government
refused to fund the repatriation of the bodies of deceased children so that
their parents could properly bury them in their communities. They were often
buried in cemeteries on school grounds, without gravestones, without
identification. The TRC had concluded that at least 90 children had died during
the Kamloops residential school's years of existence, from 1890 to 1969.
Underground radar searches of the school grounds revealed that there at least
215 are buried there. Research continues, and additional graves can be
expected.
This sad discovery rekindles
the deep wounds of our Aboriginal brothers and sisters who attended these
institutions. It also highlights how iniquitous the whole residential school
system was. Even if some former students can name positive aspects of their
experience at these residential schools, the system itself was founded on the racist
view that native people had to be educated “white” in order to integrate into
Canadian society. It sought to assimilate native children and kill their
culture. It tore families apart, created places for the spread of disease and, all
too often, violence. At the time, Christian churches, dioceses and religious
communities thought they were doing good by participating in this system. Today,
our eyes have been opened.
I join with the many
leaders of local churches and religious institutions who ran these schools in
asking forgiveness for the harm that has been done. With them, I want to
contribute to repairing this evil, inasmuch it can be repaired. I know the road
will be long, but I pledge to walk it with all people of good will.
Faced with such revelations,
what can we do? We can learn about the work of the TRC if it hasn't already
been done and familiarize ourselves with its calls to action, which can be
found here:
http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action.pdf
We can make our own the
apologies that have been offered since the early 1990s by those in charge of
the religious organizations that have run these schools. You can find them here:
https://www.cccb.ca/indigenous-peoples/indian-residential-schools-and-trc/
Regarding the recent
discoveries in Kamloops, you can read the comments (i) of the Provincial of the
Oblate Fathers who had managed this school, (ii) of the Archbishop of Vancouver
on whose grounds the school was located during its years of existence, (iii) of
the president of the CCCB and (iv) of the president of the AÉCQ, here:
(ii)
https://rcav.org/first-nations
(iv)
https://evequescatholiques.quebec/sn_uploads/fck/2021-06-03_Communique_Kamloops.pdf
Finally, Ms. Julie Cool,
diocesan pastoral worker, is ready to lead discussion groups based on the recent
text "Listening to Indigenous Voices. A Dialogue on Justice and Right Relations”
published by the Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice. To indicate your
interest in such a group, contact her at cool.j@diocesegatineau.org.
The Gospel of Jesus-Christ
urges us to ask forgiveness for our sins, to reconcile and to seek unity.
Animated by this Gospel, let us denounce past injustices, accompany present distress
and, together, build a better future.
+
Paul-André Durocher,
Archevêque
de Gatineau.
