Media Statement from Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair Kathryn Teneese on papal apology

There is no doubt that today’s apology from the pope will impact Indigenous people across all nations
and communities in Canada. Today marks an important step along the healing pathway so many
Indigenous people are walking.

It is vital to take time to process the apology and reflect upon what it could mean within the context of
reconciliation.

All Canadians must take some time in the coming days to think about, to quote the Honourable Murray
Sinclair, “What are you doing to support the work of reconciliation?”

Transformative change comes from actions, not words.

There must be a commitment to tangible change from the Catholic Church. This apology is one step in
the journey we share towards reconciliation. We have much further to go, but we are on the right path.

I would like to thank the delegation of Indigenous Elders, Leaders and youth who travelled to the
Vatican to participate in this important event. I wish them a safe journey back to their communities and
nations.