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Host: Shawn Spruce
The apology from Pope Francis sought forgiveness for the role the Catholic Church played in the atrocities meted out in church-run residential schools in Canada. It was a message of contrition and healing for the century of abuses and cultural oppression, delivered to an audience that included First Nations, Inuit, and Metis representatives. But it comes too late for many of the survivors of those institutions, including the hundreds of Indigenous children whose final resting place has only recently come to light. We recount the nuances of both welcoming and demanding more from the Vatican.
GUESTS
Mandy Gull-Masty (Cree), grand chief of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee
Michelle Schenandoah (Oneida, wolf clan), executive and creative director of Rematriation magazine
Break 1 music: Honor Song (song) Thunder Hill (artist) Relentless (album)
Break 2 music: Smoke Dance One (feat. Frazer Sundown) (song) DJ Shub (artist) PowWowStep EP (album)
I have never commented before, but I must express my grief over Melvin’s passing. I will miss his intelligence and wisdom, delivered in his unmistakable voice, for as long as my memory lasts. Deep love and appreciation to him.