Stay away, you are not welcome.
That’s the message Maskwacis leaders have for Freedom Convoy members who may plan to protest during Pope Francis’ apology in the central Alberta First Nation community next week.
Pope Francis will travel to Alberta, Quebec and Nunavut from July 24 to 29. The papal visit will include public and private events with an emphasis on the participation of the local population.
The visit will begin in Edmonton before Francis joins survivors at the Ermineskin Indian Residential School in Maskwatsis, south of the city.
Read more: Emotions run high ahead of Pope’s visit to Maskvatsis
A joint statement released Friday by Maskwacis executives said the event there on July 25 is for residential school survivors, not an opportunity to steal the stage.
Story continues below the ad
“On behalf of our community, we are asking Freedom Convoy protesters who plan to attend the apology to stay home or find a place to protest that is not on our property.
5:09 What the Pope’s visit means for shelter survivors What the Pope’s visit means for shelter survivors
“The attempts by the Freedom Convoy demonstration to try to take over First Nations initiatives distracts from these important events. We call on all protesters to respect our survivors. This is a time for truth, reconciliation and healing.
Trending stories
-
Mass brawl at Walt Disney World leaves 1 hospitalized, 3 arrested
-
Hoover Dam Explosion: A Look at What Happened So Far
“Your programs have no place at these events and we want you to respect our territories, our community and the healing opportunities of other First Nations, Inuit and Métis.”
Read more: Convoy organizers discuss playing ‘race card’ with Lich Métis heritage
In early 2022, protests against COVID-19 restrictions and the Liberal government filled downtown Ottawa with large trucks, blocking streets and honking their horns for more than three weeks.
Story continues below the ad
Protesters also blocked numerous border crossings. All this prompted the federal government to invoke the Emergency Act and the police to use force to clear the crowd.
1:53 What is being spent on Pope Francis’ visit to Edmonton What is being spent on Pope Francis’ visit to Edmonton
An Alberta RCMP spokesperson is aware of the possibility of a convoy of protesters appearing in Maskwacis next week and respects the right to peaceful protest. The RCMP told Global News they will step in if it turns out to be illegal.
Read more: Alberta sees high demand for Pope Francis public events
Maskvatsis said the community was not approached by the protest organizers, “nor do we extend an invitation to receive them on our lands.”
Francis is expected to apologize for the role of the Roman Catholic Church in residential schools.
Story continues below the ad
An estimated 150,000 indigenous children have been forced to attend boarding schools over a century, and the Roman Catholic Church runs about 60 percent of the institutions.
The Indian Schools Problem Resolution Health Support Program has a hotline to help school survivors and their relatives suffering from trauma caused by memories of past violence.
The number is 1-866-925-4419.
— With files from The Canadian Press
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Add Comment