During his historic trip to Canada, Pope Francis will visit several significant sites, but there are other important locations being omitted such as the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
Last year, just steps away from the shuttered institution, a shocking discovery horrified the country. At least, potentially belonging to Indigenous children, were found. The site is now considered sacred with few allowed to see it, but a rare invitation was extended to the Pope.
“I personally gave him the invite because it meant so much to me, my community and our residential school survivors,” Casimir said. “I really thought it was important that he not miss an opportunity to visit a First Nation here on Turtle Island that has been impacted by unmarked graves.” While no specific reasons have been given as to why Kamloops was omitted from Pope Francis’s tour, his official Papal Visit Team pointed to his health and physical limitations as a reason.
The team also added that they "recognize the importance and significance of every former residential school site" and are fully committed to working with Indigenous communities across the country to support healing and reconciliation” While only a small delegation from Cowessess First Nation will travel to see the Pope, Delorme says there will be special events in community, including healing ceremonies, to mark the event.
At the age of 7, Jules was not only forced to attend the Kamloops institution but she says she was verbally and physically abused while there.
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