Many aspects of Pope Francis’s recent residential school apology have fallen under public scrutiny.
One such aspect has been the apology’s lack of acknowledgement or accountability for the Church’s true role in the tragedy.
But, none have conjured as controversial of a reaction as Cree Chief and residential school survivor Wilton Littlechild’s decision to gift the pope a traditional headdress.
In his Cree culture, the gifting of a headdress is usually done to acknowledge someone as an honourary Chief or leader, and to recognize the work they have done for the community.
Since then, many have stepped forward to express disappointment over the decision, saying it devalues the meaning of the sacred gift, and that the Pope had not earned it.
But ex-Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine says Littlechild followed all protocols and customs before issuing the gift, including requesting the permission of elders beforehand.
Pope Francis landed in Quebec City for the second leg of what he is calling a Pilgrimage of Penance yesterday.
There, the Pontiff gave a speech acknowledging the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, stating that the Church is committed to promoting Indigenous culture, customs, and more.
This story contains details that some may find traumatic. 24 hour support is available for survivors and family members through the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-800-721-0066. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line also provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1 866 925 4419.
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