Enquête TV Program on Abuses Committed by the Oblates Impunity Must Stop
Wendake, October 22, 2018 – Following the broadcast of Radio-Canada’s television program Enquête on October 18th revealing other cases of abuse committed on First Nations children by ten Oblate priests, the Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) Ghislain Picard questions the silence of the Catholic Church.
“Here we have other cases in addition to a multitude of examples that demonstrate that acts of contrition will not suffice. The Catholic Church must stop procrastinating. All churches have made excuses except for them. What does the Pope’s silence mean? Impunity is unacceptable,” says
Ghislain Picard.
The broadcast once again highlighted several cases of sexual abuse of minors of the Atikamekw and Innu nations over decades. These latest cases are in addition to events that have already been publicly revealed and where intergenerational impacts have had heavy consequences on individuals, families and communities affected.
“The Catholic Church must respond to these reprehensible acts. This is an essential first step to pave the way for healing for the victims. Considering all that we now know, the silence of the Catholic Church would suffice to justify holding a public inquiry, ” concluded Chief Picard.
About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow us on Twitter @APNQL
