Every First Nation shares stories through legend and myth but most powerfully through song. They reflect the unique land, history, and experiences of its people. The oral traditions of First Nations to pass on knowledge, cultural and social values and collective memory to future generations is also true for settler Canada.

Wicapi Omani - Man Who Walks Among The Stars (Gord Downie) acknowledged the long-suppressed mistreatment of Indigenous children and families by the residential school system, in many ways, but most significantly through the music and images of the Secret Path. He shared this dark part of Canada's history through song and imagery with the hope of starting our country on a path to reconciliation.

Gord, we heard you, and we continue down the path. We humbly use an image from the Secret Path with profound gratitude and thanks to you, artist Jeff Lemire, Mike Downie and the Downie Wenjack Fund. It is a profound illustration whose song symbolizes travesties of our past and hope for healing.

This petition to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is now more critical than ever. Bishops fail to acknowledge Church protocol, that a Papal visit requires an invitation from the CCCB. They do not deny it, but numerous Church authorities confirm its existence anonymously. That speaks volumes!

The proposed visit by Indigenous Leaders to the Vatican in November could play a part in the healing process. But they should not have to travel to Rome to ask the Pope for an apology; the onus is on the Church to actively demonstrate  reconciliation. If the CCCB does not convene a special session to formalize the invitation to the Pope now, they must commit to doing so at their annual meeting, planned for September 2021.

We can not change the past. What happens next is ours to write. Continue having conversations, learning and sharing the petition so that people across the land can have their voice heard and hold the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops accountable.

Your continued support and effort is reconciliation in action.