Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc – April 21, 2025
On behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc we extend heartfelt condolences and collective prayers for the soul of Pope Francis. We honour his journey to be welcomed by the Creator. I offer prayers of comfort and much condolences to all those grieving at this time.
Pope Francis was the first Pope to formally recognize and apologize for the atrocities committed through the Indian Residential School system in Canada. I hold my hands up to him for his humility, courage, and commitment to reconciliation.
In 2022, I had the honour of joining a national delegation coordinated by the Assembly of First Nations to travel to the Vatican. Survivors, Elders, youth, leaders, and spiritual advisors came together to speak directly to the Holy See. We presented on four key areas: Residential Schools and unmarked graves, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Papal apology and visit to Canada, and the urgent need for healing and reconciliation.
We shared the deep and lasting impact of the Residential School system, our languages and cultures were taken, our children were lost. We called attention to the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action, including #58, which called for the Pope to apologize on Canadian soil. We also addressed the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
A key request we made was for Pope Francis to travel to Canada and offer a meaningful apology to survivors and their families. His apology delivered during his visit acknowledged the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse inflicted by the Church. He also denounced the Doctrine of Discovery and Terra Nullius. These steps, while symbolic, had profound emotional and spiritual impact for many.
Healing is an ongoing process. We made clear that apology must be followed by concrete actions: full disclosure of residential school records, funding for cultural revitalization, and direct collaboration between dioceses and First Nations to support community healing.
Here in Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, we have taken further steps. On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, we signed a Sacred Covenant with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver and the Diocese of Kamloops at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School site. This historic agreement, publicly released on June 21, 2024 National Indigenous Peoples Day commits us to:
- Memorialization and honouring the lives of the children who never came home through ceremonies and permanent memorials.
- Truth Seeking while working together to identify missing children and bring answers to their families.
- Support Services and providing mental health and healing support to our community members.
- The Covenant also acknowledges the Church’s role in the residential school system and outlines a shared path forward based on reconciliation, transparency, and long-term healing.
Yesterday, on April 20, 2025, we marked the one-year anniversary of this Covenant, and for the first time, I shared a message from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to His Holiness Pope Francis. In his words, the Pope sent “cordial greetings” and prayers for all present. He reflected on his 2022 visit and reminded us of the need to “walk together, pray together, and work together.” Those words carry the power of unity and responsibility.
As we look to the future, we also reflect on the transition now underway within the Catholic Church. We are grateful for Pope Francis’ leadership and example. We now look to the next Pope to continue this journey with humility and action.
Needed is creating a clear mandate for all dioceses to work with First Nations, supporting reparations not only through words but through meaningful investment in language and cultural revitalization. Addressing colonial structures such as the Papal Bulls and working toward true Land Back. Working with us to repatriating sacred items and ensuring transparency in the acquisition. Continuing to support the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) with active commitment to revitalization.
We must also stand firmly against denialism and from the highest level as well as the deliberate distortion of truth meant to discredit survivors and perpetuate harm. It is our collective responsibility, including that of the Catholic Church, to call out and confront these harmful narratives.
This moment is not just about a single leader it is about the journey of all people and the shared responsibility of institutions, nations, and communities. I am proud to have walked this path alongside so many brave survivors, youth, and leaders.
Together, we have made history. And together, we will continue walking the path toward truth, justice, and healing.
Kukwstsetsemc,
Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir
On behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc