(April 18, 2022) A delegation of Red River Métis will be meeting with Pope Francis in Rome this week in a visit that is being themed Journey Forward: Reconciliation to Renewal. The delegation to the meeting on April 21st is being led by Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand and is comprised of Elders/Knowledge Keepers, residential school survivors, and youth from the Red River Homeland. A small group of Bishops will also be accompanying the delegation.
BC Métis Leader Clara Morin Dal Col said, “I want to extend my prayers and warmest best wishes to President Chartrand and all members of the delegation for safe travels, and for a deeply meaningful and valuable meeting with the Pope.”
She said, “I know firsthand President Chartrand’s commitment to our Métis people, and I also know of his sincere desire to see a renewed relationship with the Catholic Church for several reasons, including the central role the church still plays in smaller communities today.”
Ms. Morin Dal Col said, “President Chartrand and the Red River delegation will represent us well in the meeting with Pope Francis.”
Earlier this month regarding the harms done by the residential and day school systems, Pope Francis expressed his apologies saying how sorry he was for the “…deplorable conduct of those members of the Catholic Church”. The Vatican has since announced that the Pope will be coming to Canada in late July.
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For further information:
Contact Clara Morin Dal Col
BC Métis Leader
Email: cmdalcol@gmail.com
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