The Syilx Okanagan Nation Alliance says it’s “sorry for the past” after the pope apologized to Indigenous people on Friday for the horrific abuse they suffered in Canadian homes. In a statement issued Friday night, the Nation, which is made up of various Southern Interior groups, said it was urging the Vatican, the Roman Catholic Church and the Canadian government to “go beyond empty apologies.” “Apologies and empty words from the Prime Minister, government officials or a trip to the Vatican will never heal the pain and wound our people have suffered, witnessed and continue to endure,” said Penticton Indian Band leader Greg Gabriel. in a statement. “We are sorry for the past – there is no forgiveness for the murder and attempted murder of our children. “We have no confidence in the procedures followed by the colonial institutions.” Last week, Pope Francis heard from indigenous peoples about the impact the school housing system had on their families, cutting children off from their traditions and culture and causing traumas between generations that are still felt today. “I ask the Lord for forgiveness for the deplorable behavior of these members of the Catholic Church,” said Pope Francis. “And I want to tell you from the bottom of my heart that I’m in a lot of pain. “And I join myself with the Canadian bishops in apologizing.” But local indigenous leaders say it will take more than just words to correct the mistakes of the past. “The impact of genocide on all of our peoples is a milestone in Canadian history, and it will take more than just the Truth and Reconciliation debate to come to terms with what our people have had to experience to be here today.” said the leader and leader of the Indian band Osoyoos ONA Tribal Chair Clarence Louie. “We demand justice, equality and the realization of human rights, not an apology without real action. “This colonial history was a collusion of the State and the Church – this is the Truth.” In its statement, ONA notes that more than 7,000 insignificant tombs were discovered across the country last year alone, including more than 200 at the former Kamloops residential school site. For more than a century, an estimated 150,000 Native children have been forced to attend boarding schools. More than 60 percent of the schools were run by the Catholic Church.
