Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association releases statement following Pope's apology

The Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association made the following statement today in response to Pope Francis' apology to the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit delegates for the Catholic Church’s role in Indian Residential School system:

Earlier today, Pope Francis made a statement apologizing for the Roman Catholic Church's role in Canada’s residential school system. After decades of denial, this long-awaited Papal apology is a necessary step in healing for the impacted survivors, their families, and their communities.

The Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association President Irene Barbeau shared: “We stand in solidarity with all survivors of Residential Schools and the sharing of these collective truths. We want to thank and honour the many courageous delegates who made the journey to the Vatican in order to share their stories and experiences with the Residential School system.”

The CSAA will continue to work towards honouring and supporting survivors, their families and the communities of all affiliations.

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“As a partner to the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association, Algoma University extends its support to all survivors, their families, and the communities that have been impacted by the Residential School system. We further acknowledge our special responsibility towards helping share truth and support the children that did not make it home.”
- Asima Vezina, President & Vice-Chancellor