The Decibel Tanya Talaga on Pope Francis’s apologies to Indigenous peoples
Apr 23, 2025
Tanya Talaga, an Anishinaabe journalist and contributing columnist for The Globe and Mail, shares her insights on Pope Francis's apologies to Indigenous peoples. She discusses the emotional significance of his apology for the Catholic Church's role in the residential school system and the critical responses it received. Talaga explores the complicated journey of reconciliation and the expectations for future actions from the Church and its leadership. Her perspective sheds light on the broader implications for Indigenous communities and the ongoing quest for justice.
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Historic Indigenous Rome Trip
- Tanya Talaga described a historic trip to Rome with Inuit, Métis, and First Nations delegations seeking an apology from Pope Francis.
- Indigenous peoples brought their own spiritual leaders, wearing traditional regalia to reclaim culture suppressed by colonial laws.
Canada Apology Tour Experience
- Tanya covered Pope Francis's 2022 apology tour in Canada, including events in Edmonton and Lac-Saint-Jean.
- Ceremonies were emotional with survivors attending, but some declined due to complex feelings about the apology.
Apology Seen as Incomplete
- Many Indigenous people felt Pope Francis's apology was only a starting point and lacked acknowledgment of sexual abuse.
- Survivors expressed that they wanted a fuller apology that addressed the breadth of harms done.