Only 19 of the 3,000 people in Keeseekoose can still speak Saulteaux fluently, he said, and even fewer can lead their nation’s traditional ceremonies. “We are on the verge of losing everything,” he said. Bolen said he owes a debt to Ted Quewezance and other survivors for opening a dialogue between the church and their communities. He said he hoped their relationship would serve as a model for other archdioceses. “The church must be not only in a state of repentance, but also in a way of learning; it must retell our history and learn what it is like to stand in solidarity with the indigenous peoples,” Bollen said. As part of the church’s commitment to atonement, Bohlen said, the archdiocese will cover the cost of transporting the survivors wherever the pope travels during his visit to Canada. “I certainly hope and, as far as I can get involved in the planning, I will encourage real encounters with survivors because this has the best chance of bringing cure,” he said. Quewezance said he also expects to see the Pope up close again when he visits. “Wherever he goes, Ted will be there,” Quewezance said. “Together with Don.” Support is available to anyone affected by their home school experience or recent reports. A national crisis line has been set up for residential schools in India to provide support to alumni and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis hotline: 1-866-925-4419.
