Father Ian Duffy is unsure if he’ll attend a Tuesday evening vigil on the front steps of Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, organized to honour the 215-plus Indigenous children’s bodies found in a mass grave at a former British Columbia residential school, but he believes it makes sense for the event to start there.
“I don’t have an issue with the basilica being used. I think there’s a certain logic,” he said Tuesday morning. “If the church in any way collaborated with this tragedy, then the church is a logical place, especially for the Indigenous community, to begin to do their grieving and hopefully the grieving leads to a road of healing as well.”
The vigil is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. featuring a number of speakers, drumming and more before participants make their way down Macdonell Street to the river, where the event wraps up.
It’s intended to provide an opportunity for Indigenous people and allies to collectively grieve for the children whose bodies were discovered.
Duffy also provided the following statements released by church officials:
“On behalf of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, I wish to express my heartfelt sadness and sincere regret for the deep pain and distress the discovery of the remains of children buried on the grounds of Kamloops Indian Residential School brings to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, and other affected Indigenous communities, especially family members of the deceased. I appreciate the sensitive and respectful way in which this difficult work is being carried out. This heart‐breaking discovery brings the tragedy of the residential school system into the light once again and demands that we continue to confront its legacy.
“The Missionary Oblates were administrators and teachers at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Through our own ongoing reflection, and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, we are growing into a deepening awareness of the damage caused to Indigenous peoples, the enduring harm caused by colonization and the part our religious order played in it through the residential school system.
“This growing awareness leads us to an increased desire to listen deeply and learn from Indigenous communities where Oblates continue to live and minister. The Oblates remain committed to humbly participating in ongoing efforts towards reconciliation and healing for our role in this painful part of our shared history.”
- Father Ken Thorson of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Lacombe Canada
“On behalf of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, I express our deepest sorrow for the heartrending loss of the children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation.
“The news of the recent discovery is shocking. It rekindles trauma in numerous communities across this land. Honouring the dignity of the lost little ones demands that the truth be brought to light.
“This tragedy profoundly impacts Indigenous communities, with whom many people across this land and throughout the world now stand in solidarity.
“As we see ever more clearly the pain and suffering of the past, the Bishops of Canada pledge to continue walking side by side with Indigenous Peoples in the present, seeking greater healing and reconciliation for the future.
“We lift up prayers to the Lord for the children who have lost their lives and pledge our close accompaniment of Indigenous families and communities.
“May our Creator God bless all of us with consolation and hope.”
- Richard Gagnon, archbishop of Winnipeg and president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
