by Michael W. McDonald, MMNN Contributor

When we think of the “Truth and Reconciliation Process” (“Process”) regarding Residential Schools, one might believe this to be the start towards a healing process. But how can we reconcile if one of the largest contributors to the abuse that occurred in Residential Schools will not take full responsibility for their part. If we as lawyers are to truly help find some type of reconciliation then we need to look again at the truth aspect. The truth aspects not in terms of looking at the truth process of the survivor’s tales since that has already been explored but more so in terms of the process afterwards. Moreover, if we are to look at the truth, then it is important to share the truth surrounding the Catholic Church’s role in this whole “Process”.

For so long many Aboriginal people have dedicated their lives to the Catholic Church and many have even devoted tens of thousands of dollars from their own personal savings to the Church. If we consider the Aboriginal Bands as an entity, combined they have made tens of millions of dollars in contribution to the Church over the years. In light of this fact, I feel it is important that much of this truth needs to be expressed. It is also important to note that this paper is not an attempt on my part to kill people’s faith in the Church. I am only trying to convey a message to the mentality of those actors who played their role in the Churches defense during the “Process”. That being said this paper, is ...

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