Assembly of First Nations N.W.T. Regional Chief Gerald Antoine says the Pope's apology is a 'historical first step,' and the next step is for him to apologize to families 'at their home.' Read more:
Pope Francis has apologized to a group of Indigenous delegates for the Catholic Church's role in Canada's residential school system and asked for forgiveness.
Speaking in Italian, the pontiff asked for God's forgiveness for the "deplorable conduct" of members of the Catholic Church, recognizing the wrongs done to Indigenous in residential schools. In addition to the apology, Pope Francis vowed to travel to Canada. An official date has not been set for the trip, but the Pope said he hoped to visit Canada "in the days" around the Feast of St. Anna, which falls on July 26 and is dedicated to Christ's grandmother.
Approximately 190 people, including delegates, family and supporters, gathered Friday to share spiritual practices, such as prayers and traditional songs, and hear the Pope's words during the final address. Delegates also presented the Pope with gifts, including snow shoes and a bound book of Metis stories.
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