The Catholic Church in Canada must immediately fund the search and identification of unmarked gravesites in all of its former residential school grounds. Moving forward, the Church must issue a proper apology and reach settlements with the survivors of residential schools and their families. 

The Catholic Church has not formally apologized for its major role in the residential school system in Canada. These schools weaponized evangelization and perpetuated unspeakable abuse of countless Indigenous children, tearing apart communities throughout this land.

This is not what Jesus taught. This is not the Good News.

This is not the time for words expressing deep sorrow.

Action is required.

Take the funds parishioners supply, and put them to real use; put them towards reconciliation. After all, reconciling with God requires more than just confessing our sins. The Church must repent by taking responsibility for its actions and doing something to repair the damage it caused.

From the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action #58:

On May 29, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican. During this meeting, the Prime Minister formally asked the Pope deliver a papal apology for the Catholic Church's role in Indian Residential Schools.

On March 28, 2018 the Prime Minister received a letter from a senior representative of the Catholic Church in Canada, which stated that Pope Francis would not issue an apology. The Prime Minister told reporters that, "obviously I am disappointed in the Catholic Church's decision not to apologize for their role in residential schools." The Government of Canada will continue to advocate for a papal apology.