“We instill in [the children] a profound distaste for native life that they should feel humiliated when reminded of their origin. When they graduate from our institutions, the children have lost everything Native except their blood.” – Bishop Vital-Justin Grandin
Cultural genocide. This was the stated goal of the Canadian residential school system, largely run by the Roman Catholic Church in Canada.
+At least 150,000 Indigenous children were stolen from their families and communities over a 120 year period.
+Abuse and neglect were rampant at these schools. The goal of this project was the eradication of Indigenous culture and identity in Canada and, very often, led to the eradication of Indigenous lives.
+At least 4100 died, although some estimate the amount as being much higher.
+The last school was closed in 1996.
+The whereabouts of scores of children are still unknown and the Canadian government turned down a request to search for more unmarked graves in 2009 citing its expense as an excuse. It would have only cost approximately 1.5 million dollars.
+Bishop Grandin died in office on 3 June 1902. He was declared venerable by the Roman Catholic Church in 1966.
+The Roman Catholic Church has still refused to issue an official apology for their role in this atrocity.
Kenn Orphan June 2021
Kenn Orphan 
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Nothing more nor less than the grossest monstrosity imaginable. This is the face of evil! No words or acts can recompense for the absolute soul destroying terror, misery and degradation these children would have endured. All Canadians should have broken hearts now!
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This comment by Grandin is beyond belief. How could anyone, let alone a priest and bishop, make a statement about our sisters and brothers in the Spirit. The Second Commandment, clearly, was no where in the man’s mind. I’m embarrassed to be a Catholic to say the least. As an Edmontonian, living in the neighbourhood of the Grandin School and church, I will never again be able to see the name Grandin without feeling disgust. Truth and Reconciliation seem to be just words. I’m at a complete loss and do not know what I can do to help. May God forgive us for what we have done.
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I urge all to read the following:
Final Report of the Truth And Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Volume 1: Summary
Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future
Lorimer Publishers, Toronto
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When we refuse to respect the culture of others, what does that say about us and our belief systems?
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