The Chief of Serpent River First Nation, Gimaa Brent Bissaillion, says his community thanks the public for the show of support since the discovery of the graves containing 215 Indigenous children at Kamloops Residential School.
On behalf of his council, he says his First Nation is working behind the scenes with allies to prepare a plan to present to the community in investigating the former residential schools in the local area.
Bissaillion emphasizes this type of historical undertaking cannot be rushed and requires input and consultation from all members of his band and neighbouring bands in Ontario and Quebec.
He adds many children from all over Ontario came to the former schools, and it is a reality that any remains found on the grounds may be the loved ones of another Nation, requiring support and attention.
He says any members of the public wishing to contribute financially or otherwise, can contact the ban’s director of operations and information will be provided as to what action plan will be put in place.
An important emphasis he adds is not to retraumatize Elders and others affected by experiences with residential schools.
Still with the story, Pope Francis is expressing his pain over the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous students at a former residential school in B.C. and he’s pressing religious and political authorities to shed light on “this sad affair.”
However, he’s not offering the apology sought by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Francis, in remarks to faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, also called on the authorities to foster healing.
He made no reference to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s insistence, two days earlier, that the Vatican apologize and take responsibility.