WARNING: This story contains details that some readers may find disturbing.
The spiritual leader of the Church of England told survivors of the first nation’s meeting in Saskatchewan on Saturday that he regretted that the church had allowed “terrible crimes” to take place in schools.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby began his visit to the James Smith Cree Nation, east of Prince Albert, around noon when he met with senior officials from the indigenous governments of James Smith and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, which represents the 74th .
“I want to acknowledge for myself and my colleagues the level of pain you are willing to endure so that your story can be heard,” Welby said.
“I will say that I am coming into ignorance, I need to hear every shame, I must mean this shame and respect those who have been subjected to such terrible injustices.
Survivors from all over Saskatchewan shared their stories of how the housing school system tore families apart, raised self-esteem and self-esteem, and left them traumatized by sexual and physical violence. Many spoke of not blaming the church, but those who act on behalf of the church.
Dennis Sanderson of James Smith Cree Nation shared his experience in schools before the Archbishop of Canterbury visited the community on Saturday. (Brian Aeneas / CBC)
After hearing their stories, Welby apologized.
“The grace you showed by saying that the church did not do this – I guess it is an extraordinary grace. I guess I mean, that’s probably the only thing I doubt. That it wasn’t the church that did it. But the church allowed it. That allowed it. That closed my eyes to that. And he still does it sometimes, “Welby said.
“And for this terrible crime, sin, evil from deliberately foolish thinking – because evil is stupid. Building hell and putting children in it. And staffing. I’m more sorry than I could ever express … I’m sorry. I’m more sorry than I can say. I’m ashamed. I’m terrible. “
He said understanding the suffering of the survivors would be impossible, but that he hoped to move from “unconscious ignorance” to a deep awareness of their experiences and move towards humility for those gathered.
Survivors like Dennis Sanderson gathered in James Smith to share their stories with the archbishop.
Sanderson attended Gordon’s Indian Residential School, about 100 kilometers northeast of Regina, for three years before visiting the All Saints’ School in Prince Albert. Both are governed by the Church of England.
It’s good that they come and say “I’m sorry,” you know? It makes you feel good and we hope that members of our community feel good, “Sanderson said Saturday morning.
Dennis Sanderson, left, was among those who greeted Welby when he arrived at the James Smith Cree Nation’s Bernard Constant Community School on Saturday. (Brian Aeneas / CBC)
Sanderson said he was able to cope with the trauma of his 11 years at school by studying his culture, his ceremonies and the way of life of the first nations.
The Anglican Church was part of his life, growing up outside of school; Sanderson said his father was actively involved in the activities of the James Smith Cree Anglican Church.
Several survivors shared stories with the archbishop on Saturday about the abuses they experienced in schools and their lasting consequences and injuries.
Between 1820 and 1969, the Church of England ran approximately three dozen residential schools in Canada, as well as more than 150 Indian day schools, according to a list compiled for the Federal Indian Day School.
St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in the James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. On Saturday, Welby visited the community southeast of Prince Albert. (Richard Eikutai / CBC)
The Anglican Church apologized for its role in residential schools in 1993 and 2019. It also paid $ 15.7 million in compensation.
The church was also reimbursed for $ 2.8 million, which it said it had invested in indigenous ministry programs after a different compensation formula was agreed with the Roman Catholic Church.
Earlier this week, survivors and defenders questioned the purpose of the visit and whether it would lead to meaningful action.
Additional visits to Canada are planned
Welby, who as archbishop is the religious leader of the Church of England, though not the head of the church – a title that belongs to the British monarch – also plans to travel to Prince Albert on Sunday before heading to Toronto.
His visit coincides with the 50th session of the Provincial Synod, which hosts the Diocese of Saskatchewan in Prince Albert until Sunday. Delegates from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba, as well as the Northwest Territories and Nunavut will attend.
The Archbishop of Canterbury addressed people gathered at the James Smith Cree Nation Bernard Constant Community School on Saturday afternoon. (Brian Aeneas / CBC)
At 2 pm on Sunday, Welby will meet with leaders of Anglican and non-Anglican natives.
Support is available to anyone affected by the lasting effects of the resident school and to those triggered by recent reports. A national Indian housing crisis line has been set up to provide support for housing school survivors and others affected. People can access emotional and crisis services by calling the 24-hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.
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